Metsamor, Armenia – Discovered Traces of Destruction

Archaeologists of the Institute of Archaeology, University of Warsaw uncovered evidence of destruction and seizure of the ancient Metsamor city, one of the most known archaeological monuments of Armenia located not too far from Yerevan.

In its essence, Metsamor was a city of the bronze era. At its peak (between 4th and 2nd millennia BC), Metsamor occupied an area of roughly 10 ha surrounded by walls from huge stones, each weighing several tons.

The center of the city-fortress was surrounded by temple complexes and shrines. Metsamor is known to have been strong in metallurgy, and it was a significant religious and cultural center as well.

Overall, the site is rich in traces of fighting and cruelty. “In the entire area of research, we found layers of burning and ash. The city was probably captured by the army of Argishti I, the ruler of Urartu,” told Krzysztof Jakubiak, head of the project.

Among the finds were a skeleton of a 30 years old beheaded woman, and remains of another individual with a split skull. “We believe that both of them were killed during the attack on the city” – added Dr. Jakubiak.

Dr. Jakubiak assumes that the city was devastated by Argishti I, who established the modern capital of Armenia, Yerevan, in 782 BC. This time period widely features regional turnovers.

Probably, Argishti I took control over the city, which continued to preserve its role even within the Kingdom of Van (Urartu). Metsamor has also been populated during the existence of the successor Armenian states and Middle Ages.

Excavations have been conducted in Metsamor for about 50 years, mainly under the supervision of Emma Khanzadyan. Some of the amazing discoveries have been made publicly, including the unearthing of the oldest-in-the-world foundry.

Two plaques (ca. 2nd millennium BC) presented below feature images of wild animals, bearing the mark of a number of earlier cultural and artistic crafts, which resembles some kind of a connection between the present and the past.

On the thighs of each animal, we can clearly see illustrations of rotating crosses, which are today considered one of the most recognizable symbols of the Armenian culture. These curved crosses are called Arevakhach or Ker-khach.

The Armenian Wheel Of Eternity PeopleOfAr