Georgian Military Highway - Short History by Colour Tour Georgia

Georgia is one of the oldest country, having a unique history and traditions, located between black and Caspian seas. Since the ancient time, Georgia has been playing the role of connecting-bridge between  Europe and Asia. Through this country were passing many trading roads toward different directions of Europe and Asia. Georgian Military Highway had its important part among these roads, connecting south with north. By this road were moving merchants and caravans from various countries, travelers, famous geographers and historians of ancient time. Georgian Military Road was also a part of the legendary Silk Road.

 

This 206 km Georgian Military Highway, runs through the main range of grate Caucasus mountain and connects Tbilisi (the capital city of Georgia) with Vladikavkaz (capital city of the  Republic of Ossetia).

Georgian Military Highway is well known for visitors of Georgia. Through this road runs one of the famous touristic destination of Georgia "Mountain Kazbegi" and "Gergeti Trinity Church". During traveling along the Military Highway,  besides beautiful nature and the third tallest mountain of Georgia Kazbegi (5054m), travelers can explore:

Jinvali dam and water reservoir the youngest and one of the last project of Soviet time;  XIV-XVIII centuries late feudal period fortress Ananuri; the confluence of black and white Aragvi rivers; on this road travellers also can taste the delicious Khinkali (Georgian dumplings) in small-town Pasanauri, it considered as the birthplace of khinkali, Gudauri Ski Resort; Soviet Friendship Monument built-in 1987  to celebrate 200th anniversary of Georgian and Russian friendship; Jvari Pass the highest point of  Military Road 2395 m above sea level; town Stephantsminda and 14th-century Gergeti Trinity Church standing at the bottom of mount Kazbegi on 2200m overlooking village Gergeti;  Gveleti waterfalls and Dariali Gorge the historical gate through  Caucasus mountain, connecting South and North Caucasus countries.

Georgian Military Highway was mentioned by famous Greece geographer Strabo in the 1st century as a narrow and dangerous road with beautiful Landscape.

In 5th-century king Vakhtang Gorgasali who was one of the greatest kings of Iberia and moved the capital city from Mtskheta to Tbilisi, as soon as he had become king, by Georgian Military Road invaded north-caucasian tribes Alans. Alans had captured king's sister, he defeated them released his sister, took back control onto this road and rebuilt the old fortress in Dariali gorge. In the XI-XII centuries during the renaissance time of Georgia, the role of the Georgian Military Highway increased, by this way Georgia had political, economic and cultural relations with the countries of the Northern Caucasus (Dagestan, Circassia, Chechenia).

The road was narrow and difficult to cross until the XIXth century. After the annexation of Georgia by the Russian Empire in 1801, Russians began construction of a new expanded road. Due to hard relief and climate conditions, construction lasted more than 65  years,  from 1909 regular traffic between Tbilisi and Vladikavkaz began.

By Georgian Military Highway, Georgian classics of XIX century were moving to Russia to get the education called "Tergdaleuliebi". One group from "Tergdalaeuli"  made radical changes in the life of Georgia at that time. Their main goal was the liberation of the Georgian people at the national and social levels. They were well acquainted with the opinions of Russian and European political and public figures, were aware of the current political processes in the world. According to their program, the initial task was to obtain autonomy within the Russian Empire, and then create an independent national state.

In 1949 after the building of the railway between Tbilisi - Sochi,  the importance of Georgian Military Road fell,  but later in 1992-1993, due to Georgia and Russian conflict, Georgian government had stopped functioning of railway movement to Russia and importance of Georgian Military Highway, increased again.

Currently, Georgia's military road is one of the most important highways of Georgia, because the border situated on this highway.  It's only one opened border between Georgia and Russia. It used by both countries to travel and trade with each other. Georgian Military Highway is significant for the rest of the South Caucasus countries too (Armenia and Azerbaijan). They also use this highway to connect with Russia.

To learn more and explore the Georgian Military Highway take our 1-day or 2-days tour to mount Kazbegi and see the beauties of Nature of Great Caucasus mount range. You either book online Mount Kazbegi Tour on Colour Tour Georgia's webpage or contact Colour Tour Georgia by email at info@colourtourgeorgia.com or call us +995 599 555 242.