Machakhela Archaeology Project

Location: Machakhela, Adjara, Georgia

Season: July 13, 2026 to August 2, 2026

Session Dates: Excavation July 12-July 24/Survey: July 26-August 2nd

Application Deadline: July 1, 2026

Deadline Type: Rolling

Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095279433316

Discount for AIA members: No

Program Type:
Field School, Volunteer

RPA Certified:
No

Affiliation:
Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University

Project Director:
Roin Malakmadza, David Grace and Sulkhan Mamuladze.

Project Description:

This year the Machakhela Project will be conducting archaeological surveys and excavations. Volunteers can sign up for just one or both of these.

The archaeological survey will take place right after the excavation and is meant to find other potential excavation sites, gather information about the population in Machakhela during different periods and survey a string of castles built to monitor and protect the trade routes that linked the Black Sea to the Silk Road.

The survey will involve:

• Documenting and taking measurements on sites already known by locals
• Interviewing locals about potential sites in area
• Foot surveys which will include some hiking through forested areas.

The excavation will involve;

• Archaeological Excavation techniques.
• Recognizing Stratigraphy layers.
• Basic Documentation for Archaeological field work.
• Processing ceramic finds and other material.

During the 2024 and 2025 excavation seasons, within the framework of the joint international archaeological expedition we conducted fieldwork in the inner territory of Chukhuneti Castle located in the Machakheli Gorge in Khelvachauri Municipality. After the monument was cleared of vegetation, the tower, limestone flooring, a water reservoir, the remains of the buttresses, and the tunnel connected to the castle were clearly visible. As a result of the archaeological works carried out in 2024 and 2025, it was possible to restore the plan of the castle including the tower, the inner and outer walls, food storage areas, the bakery area and a yet to be determined floored room on the north side of the tower.(fig:3) It was also determined there were multiple building phases for the tower over the course of its history along with a destruction layer that shows there was a widespread fire that caused the tower to collapse.

The fortress is built on a naturally elevated rocky hill at an elevation of 276m above sea level in the watershed of the Machakheli River and its left tributary Daviteti.(fig:2) The local population also calls it “Kalivake”. From here you can clearly see the roads leading to Machakheli valley, Karchkhali and the seaside, as well as a vast area. Chukhuneti was one of the key parts of the fortifications of the Machakheli valley, which played an important role in the defense system that monitored and protected trade and caravan routes passing through the valley to the Black Sea. The builders designed the castle plan to use its natural defenses.

Costs:

• Excavation 2 weeks: 1250$
• Survey 1 week: 800$
• This includes lodging, meals, transportation to site and excursions
• Anyone staying for the excavation and survey will have lodging and meals provided on the in-between days as well.

Period(s) of Occupation: 10th-18th century AD

Notes:
During the excavation season we will also be going on a couple excursions to Roman built Gonio fortress, Gvara castle a Medieval Georgian castle Batumi along with cultural experiences such as a Georgian folk dance show, wine tasting, and trips to museums in the region. Last year we went to Shamtoba mountain festival. There will be a relaxed work environment with a small hike to the excavation site everyday. The climate is mild where we are at but excavating can be hot and physical work sometimes. It is recommended to be prepared to handle this and working outside. The local community is very supportive of our project so there is will also be lots of opportunities to interact with the local culture. The excavation takes place in a big wine area in Georgia with lots of locals making wine. We do ask volunteers to be conscious of their wine intake and be responsible with it.

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: 1 week

Minimum Age: 18

Experience Required: No experience required

Room and Board Arrangements:
Lodging and 2 meals a day are provided in the costs. The lodging will be at the Malakmadze guest house in the Machakhela National Park. There are shared rooms although a couple private rooms are available at an additional cost. This area is a beautiful area with a waterfall 2 minutes walk from the Guesthouse, a river to swim in and plenty of places to hike to. The food is Georgian cuisine and is almost entirely from the immediate area and is homemade. The food is typically viewed as a huge perk to the excavation. This is also a big wine area in Georgia with locally made wine everywhere.

Academic Credit:
No