70 Thousand Years Old Settlement In Kalavan – Armenia

In August 2018, an Armenian-German expedition launched another stage of excavations in the village of Kalavan, Gegharkunik Province.

From the Armenian side, the work is headed by researcher at the Institute of Archeology and Ethnography of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia Boris Gasparyan. From the German side, his colleague is researcher at the Research Institute of Monrepos (Germany) Ariel Malinsky.

Originally, excavations at Kalavan began in 2004 within the framework of the Armenian-French cooperation and ended in 2008. Works resumed in 2017 – already within the framework of the Armenian-German cooperation.

The expedition is financed by the Armenian and German sides. The group consists of 15 specialists who represent Armenia, Germany, Portugal, Israel, France, and the USA.

“Through appropriate research, experts have come to the conclusion that the settlement discovered in Kalavan-2 dates back to the Stone Age and is 70 thousand years old.

Stone products of primitive man and bones of a bison, deer, and other animals have been discovered here. The study of this layer gives an idea of the climate of those times and the migration routes of humans and animals.

Excavations will continue until September 26. I am sure we will find many more interesting things.

Kalavan has already become the destination of archaeological tourism and gained worldwide fame. The proof of this is the fact that specialists from different countries work here today.

World-famous German archaeologist Hans-Peter Uerpmann, who for 30 years led the excavations of Troy, is to join the works soon. He acquired a home in Kalavan and considers himself a real Kalavantsi,” Robert Ghukasyan said.

Locals take part in the work of the expedition as well.

Khosrov Khlgatyan