Armenia, a land rich in history and culture, is home to numerous sites adorned with ancient petroglyphs. These rock carvings, depicting scenes of agriculture and animal domestication, offer a glimpse into the lives of early inhabitants. Found on the slopes of Armenia’s volcanic massifs, at altitudes of 3,000 meters above sea level, these petroglyphs form entire galleries of agricultural motifs.
Historical Significance
Some of these petroglyphs date back to the 12th-11th millennia BC, making them among the oldest known depictions of agrarian life. The tradition of rock carvings continued through the Copper and Bronze Ages, with the greatest variety and quantity of carvings emerging during this period and the early Iron Age.
Depictions of Early Agronomy
The first farmers in Armenia used petroglyphs to document the history of agronomy. These carvings often feature symmetrical arrangements of zoomorphic figures, reflecting the importance of animals in their agricultural practices. The petroglyphs are etched onto dark brownish-black volcanic stones, remnants of an extinct volcano.
Discovery and Study
Although these sites were discovered in the early 20th century, significant study did not begin until the 1920s. The most intensive research occurred in the 1960s, yet many of the petroglyphs remain undeciphered to this day. This ongoing mystery continues to intrigue historians and archaeologists alike.
Insights from Literature
In her 2007 book, Timeline of the Horse, Beverly Davis highlights the significance of these petroglyphs: “Petroglyphs found in Armenia, the Indo-European homeland, show the earliest depictions of people driving chariots, wagons, and plows, pulled by horses.” This statement underscores the advanced nature of early Armenian agrarian society and its contributions to the broader Indo-European cultural heritage.
The ancient agricultural petroglyphs of Armenia are not just historical artifacts; they are a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of early human societies. These carvings provide invaluable insights into the agricultural practices and daily lives of our ancestors, enriching our understanding of human history.
Sources:
- Ughtasar Petroglyphs – Wikipedia
- 10 World’s Oldest Things From Armenia – PeopleOfAr
- Timeline of the Horse – Beverly Davis
