Svanetien – das letzte Mittelalter Europas

The small region of Svanet'i in Georgia, isolated in the high mountains of the Caucasus, preserves a rich collection of icons, manuscripts and pre-altar crosses. These liturgical objects give an insight into the relationships between the Caucasus and the rest of the medieval Christian world. In particular, representation of some saints in the Svanetian wall paintings follow an original iconographic tradition, relating especially to St George, who has a special role in the social and religious life of the region. The rich iconographic tradition of his miracles and martyrdom is unique in the Christian medieval art. Moreover, his cult is based on the attributes of some pre-Christian Caucasian divinities, which the Svanetian people have associated with St George. Furthermore, many pre-Christian traditions, still alive in Svanet'i, make this region probably the last medieval region in Europe.