The eastern shores of the Black Sea witnessed the birth of a powerful kingdom – Colchis – around the 13th century BC. This early Georgian state emerged from a major tribal union that flourished in western Georgia. According to most classical authors, Colchis stretched from the borders of Pontus (present-day northeastern Turkey) to the River Corax, which some identify with the modern-day Bzyb River in Abkhazia.
Colchis wasn’t alone. To its east lay another burgeoning Georgian state – Iberia. While Abkhazia’s written history truly begins with the arrival of the Greeks, Colchis’ story predates this influx.
Greek Colonization: A Catalyst for Trade and Transformation
The 6th-5th centuries BC saw a surge in activity as enterprising Milesian Greeks arrived on the Colchian coast. Drawn by the region’s potential, they established thriving maritime colonies. Dioscurias, named after the mythical twins Castor and Pollux (the Dioscuri), emerged as a crucial center for trade with the diverse local tribes. Historians believe this prominent city eventually evolved into modern-day Sukhumi, the capital of Abkhazia.
Other notable Greek colonies included Gyenos, Triglitis, and later Pityus. These settlements likely corresponded to the present-day coastal towns of Ochamchire, Gagra, and Pitsunda, respectively. These colonies not only facilitated trade but also introduced Greek culture and language to the region, creating a vibrant melting pot of influences.
A Tapestry of Languages and Peoples
One of the most striking features of Colchis was its remarkable ethnic and linguistic diversity. Renowned classical writers like Herodotus, Strabo, and Pliny the Elder all marveled at the multitude of languages spoken in Dioscurias and other coastal towns. The region’s rugged terrain played a significant role in this phenomenon. The imposing mountains isolated various communities, fostering the development of a multitude of distinct languages and dialects. This makes pinpointing the exact ethnicities and locations of these people a complex task for historians.
The Enigma of Ancient Names
Even the most knowledgeable contemporary scholars struggle to decipher the confusing names and limited information provided by classical sources about the region’s interior and its population. Additionally, some of these ancient ethnic designations might have been collective terms encompassing various groups. Furthermore, the region likely witnessed significant population movements throughout history, further complicating the picture.
Identifying these ancient peoples remains a topic of debate. Some scholars believe Pliny the Elder’s reference to the “Apsilae” in the 1st century AD and Arrian’s mention of the “Abasgoi” in the 2nd century AD could be early references to the ancestors of the Abkhaz and Abazas, respectively. This theory is based on potential linguistic connections. However, others propose these terms might refer to proto-Kartvelian (Georgian) tribal groups. The identities and origins of other intriguing groups mentioned in classical texts, such as the Heniochi and Sanigae, remain even more open to debate.
Archaeological finds haven’t always provided clear links between the material culture unearthed and the enigmatic names from these ancient writings. This lack of definitive evidence fuels ongoing scholarly discussions and leaves many questions unanswered.
The rise of Colchis marked a pivotal chapter in Georgian history. It was a cradle of civilization, a center of trade, and a land shaped by diverse cultures. The following sections will delve deeper into the social and political structures of Colchis, its interactions with neighboring powers, and its eventual legacy.
