The largest amount and the most diverse variations of Greek graffiti are found in the archaeological context of the cemeteries of the Eastern Black Sea littoral (Kobuleti-Pichvnari, Petra-Tsikhisdziri) of Classical and Hellenistic periods. The inscriptions differ in content (the names of the deities or abbreviated forms of their names, dedication formulas, fertility marks, owners’ names, and numerical designations) and chronology. They are presented on the amphorae imported from different production centers of the Aegean and the Black Sea regions. The material, which contains important information about the processes taking place on the Black Sea littoral in antiquity, has never been the subject of special research.

The Amphora Graffiti from South-West Georgia

The epigraphic material of South-West Georgia is inferior to similar material of the Mediterranean or the Black Sea. Although, the largest amount and the most diverse variations of the Greek graffiti are found on the territory of Georgia. This applies to the content (full forms of the names of the deities, abbreviated forms of their names, devotional formulas, fertility marks, owners’ names and numerical designations) and chronological diversity. Greek inscriptions from the classical period are also found in the Colchian cemetery that is especially important and attracts interest. Here are found inscriptions on the amphorae from various production centers.