Photo from open sources
Georgian archaeologists have discovered a large vessel with consecrated water that has not deteriorated for thirteen centuries.
An amazing find was made by experts in a sealed ancient temple near the city of Kvareli in the east of the country. Water contained in the temple qvevri – a clay jug buried in the ground. Despite the fact that the diameter of the throat of the vessel is no more half a meter, the weight of the pitcher hidden underground is estimated at approximately ton.
According to researchers, water was consecrated in the eighth century. AD, and, perhaps, earlier. Qvevri himself was probably built in fifth century. Excavations were carried out in a ruined basilica on the shore Duruji rivers – in the village, which locals called dolochopi. Historians attribute this settlement to late antique early medieval period of Georgian history. Here there are many Christian shrines representing a huge value to world archeology.
The find is unique in its kind, as never no one has ever discovered fresh water that would be stored in a vessel isolated from the external environment for such a long time. The head of this archaeological expedition, Nodar Bakhtadze, working as a professor at the National Museum of Georgia, said that a clay jug is in dry soil. Moreover, he was completely protected from any external influences, however, researchers, Of course, they opened a vessel to gain access to holy water.
A photo from open sources
Was the lighting or property of the pitcher the cause?
Laboratory tests have already been performed, which showed that the water has been preserved in a crystal clear form, and it is completely drinkable. All the useful properties of life-giving moisture anywhere in all this time are not share it. With the permission of archaeologists today come here for water locals and clergy from the surrounding monasteries. Priests convinced: the water was preserved because it was consecrated by thirteen centuries ago their ancestors. Scientists in their official reports argue that qvevri and the destroyed walls of the temple should be thanked, which all this time protected the contents of the vessel from dirt and bacteria.
At first it was assumed that the water was rain. However, analyzes showed that she was most likely recruited at one time from natural source. Bakhtadze and his colleagues also, without any fear, tasted holy water, making sure its excellent taste qualities.
Among other things, archaeologists also discovered under the basilica a small underground temple that may date to the fourth century of our era.
Water Time
