The Georgian National Museum : Director's Choice

Established in 2004, the Georgian National Museum (GNM) in Tbilisi encompasses 20 museums and cultural institutions.

The main site tells the story of Georgia's history from the Bronze Age to the early 20th century.

It's the story of 'The Land of the Golden Fleece' - the ancient Kingdom of Colchis, whose ingenious gold, silver and precious stonework can be seen in the Treasury.

The Greek, Ottoman and Iranian Influence visible in many of the treasures is testament to Georgia's role as a crossroads through the centuries.

The GNM also records Georgia's modern history, tracing the rise of a united Georgian state, how it resisted Soviet Occupation and survived the Red Terror.

However, perhaps most significantly of all, here visitors can come face-to-face with the earliest homonid known to have left Africa - a 1.8 million-year-old discovery made by the GNM's Director, Professor David Lordkipanidze, that has rewritten our understanding of early European humanity.

In this beautifully illustrated book, Professor Lordkipanidze illuminates his personal highlights from the collection with his considerable expertise.