Ardanuç and its surroundings in the light of historical and archaeological data

This thesis aims to reassess the cultural heritage dated to the Ancient Age within the scope of surface surveys conducted in the Ardanuç district of Artvin province and to document the remains of archaeological sites that have not previously been recorded in the literature. Located at the easternmost part of the Black Sea Region, the Ardanuç district of Artvin province has been a crossroads of many different cultures throughout history and has preserved traces of various civilizations. In this study, based on the settlements, ceramic samples, architectural remains, and other archaeological findings identified as a result of the surface surveys, the cultural structure and settlement pattern of the region in the Ancient Age are analyzed. In addition, in line with the archaeological data obtained, together with the historical geography of the region, the historical and cultural significance of the region in the Ancient Age is revealed. This thesis was prepared with the permission for surface survey granted by the Excavations and Research Department of the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage and Museums, Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey. Surface surveys were conducted in areas within the Ardanuç district that are thought to date back to the Ancient Age. In addition, data obtained from previous years' surface surveys and excavations were re-evaluated. It was observed that the majority of the identified archaeological sites belong to the Middle Ages. It is considered that systematic and scientifically based archaeological research to be carried out in Artvin province and its surroundings, known to lie within the sphere of influence and distribution of cultural entities such as Karaz and Trialeti, will shed light on the ancient history of the region.