A joint international team of researchers in the Caucasus Mountains has unearthed a massive Bronze Age hearth complex specifically designed for large-scale fermentation and communal feasting. Chemical analysis of ceramic vessels found at the site revealed residues of rhododendron-infused mead and wild grains. The scale of the kilns and storage pits indicates that the site served as a regional hub for a nomadic festival celebrating the spring ascent to high-altitude pastures.
Known as the "Trialeti Highlands Gathering," this ancient festival appears to be a direct precursor to modern mountain heritage celebrations in the region. Archaeologists discovered several bronze scepters topped with ibex motifs, which likely served as ritual standards during processional dances. The site’s strategic location on a prominent ridge suggests that the lighting of massive bonfires was a central component of the ritual, acting as a beacon for dispersed tribes to converge for seasonal trade and matrimonial rites.