Synopsis "Ibero-Caucasians"
The territory of the Caucasus has been conquered by man since ancient times, as evidenced by numerous Paleolithic material cultural monuments, such as sites of the Ashelian and Muster type (Ochamchire, Mount Yashtukh near Sukhum), as well as cave sites of the Upper Paleolithic age (Davis-Hvreli, Sakazhia, Mgvimevi etc.), Neolithic (Kistrik, Odigii) and Eneolithic (Beshtashen). In Georgia, for example, ancient mines (Gebi), remnants of ore-smelting and foundry workshops (Tsaghveri, Sokhumi, Svaneti, etc.) were discovered. One of the oldest settlements excavated by archaeologists is the settlement of Kul-Tepe, IV millennium BC. The inhabitants of this settlement lived in one place, built earthen houses, cultivated land and grazed livestock. Archaeologists have found similar settlements in other parts of the Caucasus as well.
