Queen Tamar coin, human remains discovered at medieval Armenian fortress

During restoration and cleaning work at the 10th-century Amberd Fortress in Armenia’s Aragatsotn Province, archaeologists uncovered several notable finds.

Near the inner fortified wall, they discovered human remains that are about 90% intact, with only the finger bones missing; analysis of the teeth suggests the individual was likely young, according to the Conservation Service under the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport, as stated in a press release.

Alongside this burial, workers also found fragments of a presumed medieval board game similar to backgammon or checkers, known locally as tama, indicating everyday leisure activities within the fortress during the Middle Ages.

In addition, a rare coin believed to depict Queen Tamar was also discovered.