Armenian-French archeological expedition to restart excavations in Erebuni

YEREVAN, JUNE 18, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian-French joint expedition will launch excavations in Erebuni in the beginning of July. In a conversation with "Armenpress" the Head of the Public Relations Department of "Erebuni" Historical & Archaeological Museum-Reserve Hasmik Azizyan stated that the excavations would last one month.

Among other things the Head of the Public Relations Department of "Erebuni" Historical & Archaeological Museum-Reserve Hasmik Azizyan noted that currently pupils from the Young Archeologists' School are engaged in excavations in the educational excavation site. "The classes launched in the Young Archeologists' School yet in May. After gaining necessary knowledge at the course of the theoretical classes, which last one month, the pupils start practical activities," Hasmik Azizyan said.

The Erebuni Fortress, Yerevan was built in the last quarter of the 8th century BC by King Argishti I. The Erebuni Fortress, Yerevan is a Urartuan stronghold which is situated within the city area. The archaeological remains found here proves the existence of the people of these areas for three thousand years. It is one of the most visited Tourist attractions in Yerevan. The excavations here have revealed palaces, temples and also domiciles of antiquity on the extensive premises. Renovations are going on to restore the buildings and walls of these structures. One can also find certain well-preserved items at the site. Yerebuni is one of the biggest towns on Arin-berd hill on the south east end of Yerevan. Historical records say that Yerebuni was constructed by Argihti I in 782 BC. The layout of the Fortress was made very orderly with the town neighborhoods being located at the foot of a hill. A Fortress is placed on the top that dominates the surrounding area. The Erebuni Fortress in Armenia overlooks the town and the Ararat plain along with its settlements.

A cuneiform inscription testifies that the city was built by Argishti I the King of Urartu in 782 BCE. The majority of the fortress was built from raw bricks. The citadel was encircled by strong walls in some places built in three rows. The temple of God Khaldi occupied an important place in the fortress. The walls of the temple were decorated with numerous frescos. Archeologists have found giant karasses (pitches for storage of wine) buried in the ground. Ceramics, potter's wheels and other articles used in everyday life were also unearthed during excavations. There is a huge collection of artifacts, sups, jars, bronze bracelets, glass, agate beads and many other things that tell us about the life of the citadel, the tastes and habits of its inhabitants. The building of the Museum that houses 12,235 exhibits were constructed by architects Baghdasar Arzoumanian and Shmavon Azatian and sculptor A. Harutiunian. It has two branches in Shengavit and Karmir Blur with 5,288 and 1,620 exhibits respectively in stock.