The accidental uncovering of historical treasures: Just half a century ago, Yerevan’s oldest settlement was stumbled upon purely by chance. This unexpected find occurred near the beloved Yerevan Lake, a favored leisure spot for the city’s residents.
The astonishing discovery: Passers-by unwittingly discovered remnants of bones and skeletons at the lake. These skeletal remains were soon identified as belonging to ancient animals such as rhinoceroses, bears, and wild bulls, estimated to be over 70,000 years old. These bones were traced back to a cave located along the lake’s shore—a cave that once served as the dwelling place of primitive humans.
Unveiling the cave’s secrets: The story took an intriguing turn during the Soviet era when a homeless old man took refuge in the cave. In an attempt to tidy up his makeshift home, he discarded what he deemed “unnecessary” items, including the bones. This serendipitous act brought the cave’s existence and its historical significance to the attention of archaeologists.
Angela Teryan, head of the ancient and medieval history department at the Yerevan History Museum, elaborates: “More than a thousand stone tools, throwing spears, spearheads, irons, and anthropological artifacts, totaling around 2,500 items, were found in the cave.”
Historical significance: The artifacts suggested that the Yerevan cave was not used as a dwelling but rather as a “workshop-camp” for primitive hunters and masons. In the center of the cave, researchers also discovered a camp that is believed to be over 48,000 years old. However, only a few layers were studied during the Soviet period, leaving more ancient layers, potentially over 100,000 years old, unexplored and buried under the earth.
The current state of Yerevan’s historical caves: Today, there are 4-5 similar caves along the Yerevan Lake shore, but they remain concealed beneath layers of mud and garbage, untouched and unexamined. These historical treasures, which have withstood the test of 100,000 years, face the risk of vanishing without a trace in independent Armenia.
The accidental discovery of the oldest settlement in Yerevan underscores the city’s rich historical heritage and the importance of preserving and exploring these ancient sites. With concerted efforts, these historical gems can be safeguarded for future generations to appreciate and learn from.
