Nestled on the eastern shore of Lake Sevan, the ruins of Berdkunk evoke mystery and intrigue. This ancient fortress, constructed during the 2nd or 1st millennium BC, commands attention with its strategic location. Perched on a small peninsula, it stands apart from the mainland, encircled by formidable walls. But it’s the fortress’s hidden secrets that truly captivate.
While little remains of the above-ground structures, Berdkunk harbors enigmatic underground passages. One leads beyond the fortress walls, disappearing into the surrounding landscape. The other, more intriguing, ventures underwater. Imagine exploring dimly lit corridors strewn with remnants of columns and intricately carved walls—a journey into the past.
Venturing underwater, the authors of an essay discovered a submerged passage—an entrance to the fortress concealed beneath the lake’s surface. Sadly, time has taken its toll; the vault that once allowed access is now filled in. Perhaps it collapsed centuries ago, sealing the secret forever.
Stone anchors lie near the fortress bay, remnants of ancient vessels that once docked here. Along the walls, fragments of ceramics and animal bones emerge from the sediment. These artifacts, coated in a thick layer of calcium, reveal their venerable age. Berdkunk was no ordinary outpost—it played a pivotal role in trade along Sevan’s waterways.
In antiquity, vital water caravan routes crisscrossed Lake Sevan. On the opposite bank from Berdkunk, two settlements—Shorzha and Artanish—stood just 15 kilometers away. A sailing vessel, propelled by a favorable wind, could cover this distance in 3-4 hours. Contrastingly, a land journey along the coast would take a grueling 20 hours by cart. The advantage of ships laden with goods was undeniable.
Berdkunk’s submerged secrets connect us to a bygone era—a time when trade routes shaped civilizations and hidden passages held untold stories. As we gaze across Lake Sevan, let us imagine the whispers of ancient mariners and the echoes of bustling markets within these silent walls.
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