Bettany Hughes’ Treasures of the World returns with an exploration of Georgia, one of the crucibles of civilisation. In this episode, airing on Channel 4 on Saturday 20 April, Hughes uncovers the hidden treasures and rich history of this ancient country.
The journey begins in Vani, the legendary home of the Golden Fleece and the epic quest of Jason and the Argonauts. Hughes delves into the truth behind the myth, examining the evidence from ancient altars that suggests the presence of pharmaceutical preparations, possibly inspiring the tale of women dressed in gold.
The team then ventures to Svaneti, a unique region in Georgia with its own language and architecture. Here, they discover the Svan towers, built by locals to protect their precious belongings, and explore a thousand-year-old church housing a quarter of Georgia’s icons.
Continuing their exploration, Hughes and her team visit the Khertvisi fortress, with its network of concealed tunnels and chambers, and Vardzia, a monastery and fortified citadel complete with 25 wineries. In Tbilisi, the capital, Hughes examines a collection of 19th-century photography and explores the old town, finding that much of what was captured in the past remains unchanged.
The episode also sheds light on the story of Queen Tamar, a medieval queen who ruled over a vast empire. Hughes looks into the life of this influential figure, questioning why she isn’t a household name.
Bettany Hughes’ Treasures of the World airs on Channel 4 at 7.00 pm on Saturday, 20 April 2024.
