Adjara

Petra Fortress

Petra Fortress is situated in Tsikhisdziri, 7 km far from Kobuleti. The fortress used to be historical town of Egrisi Kingdom. But, today there are only some remains there. Due to its advantageous military and strategic as well as trade and economic location Emperor Justinian of Byzantine decided to build a town on that land of Lazika in the 6th century. A narrow road connecting western Georgia to Byzantine and further Iran and Armenia was cut along the shore. Petra controlled all marine navigation from Byzantine to East. Byzantine and Iran were interested in owing Petra since their political and economic expansion was directly depended on the regional control. That was the real reason of the Byzantine-Persian War in the 6th century. Petra kept its importance even later. It was considered as undefeatable fortress. Its acropolis was situated on a cliff hill along the shore. Its landside was protected with strong fence as rocky relief (the relief originated its Greek name "Petra" – rock, stone).