On November 21, the University of Georgia hosted a public lecture by Dr. Manana Sanadze, President of the University of Georgia and Professor of History, titled "King Darchili: Son of Vakhtang Gorgasali."

During the event, significant research findings and the latest results from an archaeological expedition were presented to the public. Professor Sanadze's recently published monograph, dedicated to Darchili, the son of Vakhtang Gorgasali, offers a groundbreaking perspective on the Georgian monarch’s reign. The study suggests that the narrative of St. Archil in Georgian history actually reflects the life of Darchili.

These findings are further supported by archaeological research conducted under the auspices of the University of Georgia at the Notkora Temple, traditionally believed to be the burial site of the decapitated remains of St. Archil.

In the central part of the temple, the University of Georgia's archaeological team, led by Professor Davit Berikashvili, uncovered a burial containing decapitated human remains. These remains were sent to a leading laboratory in the United States for radiocarbon dating. The analysis revealed that the estimated date of death ranges between 556 and 563 AD, precisely aligning with the timeline presented in Professor Sanadze’s monograph.

This discovery significantly contributes to a more accurate representation of Georgian history and confirms that Vakhtang Gorgasali’s reign occurred not at the end of the 5th century but between 484 and 531 AD.