The predominant tribes of ancient Colchis, particularly during the 1st millennium BCE, are believed to have spoken South Caucasian (Kartvelian) dialects. These dialects were likely the forerunners of the Zan dialects that later came to be spoken in the area between the Caucasus mountains.
Linguistic Landscape of Ancient Colchis
While the exact ethnic and linguistic composition of the ancient population of Colchis remains a subject of ongoing study, historical and linguistic evidence points strongly towards the prevalence of South Caucasian languages. This language family is indigenous to the South Caucasus region and includes modern languages such as Georgian, Mingrelian, Laz, and Svan.
The dialects spoken in Colchis during the 1st millennium BCE are considered direct ancestors of what are now known as Zan languages, specifically Mingrelian and Laz. These languages are still spoken today in parts of Georgia and Turkey, reflecting a continuous linguistic heritage in the Black Sea coastal region historically associated with Colchis.
Here's a summary of the linguistic insights regarding Colchis:
| Historical Period | Predominant Language Family | Probable Dialect Group (Forerunners) | Modern Descendants (Examples) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Millennium BCE | South Caucasian (Kartvelian) | Zan dialects | Mingrelian, Laz |
This linguistic connection provides a vital link between the ancient inhabitants of Colchis and the modern-day Kartvelian-speaking populations of the Caucasus region. The continuity of these linguistic forms underscores the enduring cultural and historical identity of the region.
