Two remarkable Greek inscriptions were discovered during archeological excavations in the ancient capital of Georgia, Mtskheta. Both date back to the 4th-5th centuries AD and both include reference to the same person, Aurelius Akholis, and his official title – the "Chief of Artists and Architects". Of the above two inscriptions particularly interesting is the one discovered on a stone pole providing the list of builders of some missing and perhaps very important structure (temple?) with fortifications.
The analysis of the above inscriptions and some other data allow us to presume that Aurelius Akholis was the manager of a multi-profile arts workshop owned by the royal family and held some official position at the king’s court. Consequently, in the capital city, like elsewhere across the country, urbanization and construction of particularly important facilities were under the leadership and/or control of professionals and such leadership and control were carried out based on certain rules accepted and recognized by the classical world. The fact that ancient Georgia was a place were construction and design reached a very high level of development has been proved by numerous records (Georgian, Greek, Roman) and archeological data.
The office of court architect (chief builder) was widespread in other countries too. In Georgia, such a position existed in the medieval era as well. As regards the term archidzographos (chief artist), it can not be found in either Greek or Byzantine sources prior to the 13th century. In Georgia, there was a position of "court artist" (12th century), which indicated the honorable status of an arts person who had rather limited powers and influence though. The combination of the above two professions is a very rare phenomenon, which indicates the recognition of an outstanding talent of this particular person. Obviously, Aurelius Akholis was a man endowed with many-sided gift.
There is no doubt that Aurelius Akholis was an ethnic Georgian. His Greek name is just another indication of close contacts between Georgia and the classical world.
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