First Palace of the Kings of Egrisi

The First Palace of the Kings of Egrisi represents one of Western Georgia's most significant early medieval archaeological remains. Situated within the monumental fortification complex of Nokalakevi, historically documented by Roman and Byzantine chroniclers as Archaeopolis, these surviving foundations reveal the political gravity of the ancient Lazica Kingdom. The palace served as a primary seat of royal administration, standing as a silent witness to intense regional rivalries, diplomatic encounters, and long-standing struggles for dominion over the South Caucasus.

The Royal Seat of Ancient Lazica

Constructed during the 4th century, this specific palace complex was established during a period of rising geopolitical importance for the Egrisi state. Positioned along the fertile banks of the Tekhuri River, the fortress functioned as a critical buffer state separating the conflicting interests of the Byzantine Empire and the Sassanid Persian Empire. Historians and archaeologists distinguish this structure as the "First Palace" because its construction predates the larger, multi-story royal residences erected nearby during the 6th century.

Throughout its operational history, the palace was the central stage for royal councils and strategic planning. The defensive networks surrounding the palace grounds faced severe trials during the prolonged Lazic War (541–562 AD), a devastating conflict between Byzantium and Persia that turned the entire region into a shifting battleground. These historic events led to multiple phases of destruction, structural reinforcement, and eventual abandonment as regional centers of power shifted.

Masonry and Early Thermal Engineering

Excavations reveal the lower wall courses and foundational footprints of a substantial administrative complex. The builders relied heavily on locally quarried limestone blocks and smooth river stones gathered directly from the adjacent watercourses. These materials were bound together using an exceptionally durable lime-based mortar that allowed the structures to endure centuries of intense moisture and tectonic activity.

Analysis of the layout indicates a prominent central hall used for state receptions, foreign emissaries, and royal audiences. Flanking this public space were smaller rectangular rooms dedicated to administrative storage, security quarters, and private royal chambers. Notably, the northern sections of the architectural footprint contain clear evidence of hypocaust systems. This Roman-influenced engineering choice utilized raised floors supported by small brick pillars, allowing heated air from external furnaces to circulate beneath the stones. This feature indicates that the rulers of Egrisi integrated advanced Mediterranean building technologies to maintain comfortable internal temperatures during the damp, cold winters of the Colchian lowlands.