An article from Tbilisi on agenda.ge - Ancient rock carvings in Georgia become part of European trail - reports on the ancient rock carvings found in Georgia which have been recognised as part of a Europe-wide network of Prehistoric Rock Art Trails.

The Trialeti petroglyphs of Georgia. Images: Cultural Heritage Agency press office of Georgia.

The Cultural Route Prehistoric Rock Art Trails offers 112 Archaeological and Rock Art sites with the scientific, cultural, artistic and archaeological interest. All these sites are open to the knowledge and the enjoyment of the European and World society. The recognition of Georgia came as the International Association of the ancient trails accepted the National Agency for Cultural Heritage Preservation of Georgia as its full member earlier this month.

The decision was made at an assembly of the association funded by the European Union and the Council of Europe. Georgia became the eighth member after Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Ireland, Norway and Azerbaijan.

The Georgian agency said membership in the association's cultural route would better showcase the country's tourism potential throughout Europe. Georgia's nomination for full membership of the association involved examples of ancient rock petroglyphs found in Trialeti.

Rock carvings in Georgiahttps://t.co/1MdpT21azn #petroglyphs #archaeology #CulturalRoute pic.twitter.com/e3BOUtkom3

— Bradshaw Foundation (@BradshawFND) November 28, 2017

Located near the town of Tsalka, 100km west of capital Tbilisi, the petroglyphs have been designated as cultural heritage monuments by the Agency.

The Trialeti petroglyphs are in six separate groups. The carved figures depict local fauna including horses, deers, snakes and birds. There are also hybrid depictions as well as geometric designs of circles, crosses and squares. The rock art is thought to be almost 12,000 years old.

Read more about Prehistoric Rock Art Trails:
http://www.prehistour.eu/