FROM THE HISTORY OF KHELVACHAURI MUNICIPALITY

Abstract

The article briefly presents history of Khelvachauri municipality from ancient times (Neolithic era - VII-VI millennium BC) to the modern period. It also dis­cusses the history of the municipality on the evidences of the archaeological sites and literary sources during the Colchis and Lazika kingdoms.

There is the history of Khelvachauri municipality as a part of Kartli (Iberia) and then Pontus kingdoms (according to Strabo, Pliny, Claudius Ptolemy and others). It also discusses the important settlements around Batumi - Matium, Tsikhisdziri, Apsarus (Gonio), Pichvnari. The focus is on the journey of the Apostles of Christ in Ajara and the historical significance of this fact. Then, about its presence in the Kingdom of Kartli, and then in the Georgian Kingdom of Guria and Likhtimereti. The narrative in the paper discusses the unification of the region with Russia (1878), then including the period of the Russian Empire and its Soviet period. A brief summary of the history of the national movement in Khelvachauri municipality is also presented, including the restoration of the jurisdiction of the independent state of Georgia. The recent contribution of the Khelvachauri Municipality to the security of the country is discussed as well.