Archeology

Ukhtasar – Armenia: Symmetry in Rock Paintings

On the slopes of Armenia’s volcanic massifs, entire galleries of rock paintings with agricultural themes can be found. These petroglyphs, dating back to the 4th-2nd millennia BC, may even be older according to recent data.

Agricultural Revolution

Around 7,000 years ago, the inhabitants of the Mountain Island transitioned to agriculture. This monumental shift brought complex changes to society’s economic life, shaping new historical and chronological principles.

Agronomy in Rock Art

The first farmers documented their agronomic practices through rock paintings. These artworks often feature symmetrical arrangements of zoomorphic figures, such as harnessed bulls, symbolizing both plowing and the earth’s fertilization.

Religious Significance

A key element in these drawings is the cross-shaped central axis, imbued with religious meaning. This symmetry reflects the spiritual and practical aspects of early agrarian life.

Visiting Ukhtasar

In the warm season, visitors can explore Ukhtasar’s agricultural gallery from the city of Sisian. This site offers a fascinating glimpse into the ancient agrarian culture of Armenia.

Artatsolum

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Vigen Avetisyan

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