In the heart of Armenian Highland, where history and legend intertwine, lies the once-thriving Armenian metropolis of Ani. Known as the “City of a Thousand and One Churches,” Ani’s ruins now whisper tales of a glorious past and a mysterious decline. Recently, a remarkable discovery near these ancient walls has captured the imagination of archaeologists and history enthusiasts alike: a pair of exquisite gold lynx-shaped earrings.
The Earrings: A Glimpse into the Past Weighing 22 grams, these medieval earrings bear intricate engravings of stars, teardrops, and crescents. Their craftsmanship astounds—each delicate detail a testament to the artistic skills of our ancestors. Currently safeguarded within the Kars Archaeology and Ethnography Museum, these earrings are a bridge connecting us to a bygone era.
Ani’s Crossroads of Cultures Director Yavuz Cetin reflects on the significance of this find. Ani, situated at the crossroads of civilizations and along the historic Silk Road, witnessed the ebb and flow of cultures. The archaeological sites of Köşevenik and Magazberk, near Ani’s ruins, hold further secrets waiting to be unearthed.
The Symbolic Lynx Throughout history, humans have drawn inspiration from animals, attributing symbolic meanings to them. The lynx, with its ferocity and strength, found its way into artistic expression. These earrings, shaped like the elusive feline, evoke both admiration and mystery.
A Journey to Subatan Village Curiously, another pair of lynx-shaped earrings surfaced in Subatan Village, just north of Ani. Discovered in 1994, they now rest in the museum’s warehouse. In 2023, they will emerge from obscurity, inviting the public to marvel at their beauty.
Ani’s Rise and Fall Founded over 1,600 years ago, Ancient Armenian city Ani thrived as a fortified city with a population exceeding 100,000 in the 11th century. Its strategic location on trade routes fueled its prosperity. Yet, by the 1300s, decline set in, and by the 1700s, Ani stood abandoned—a silent witness to the passage of time.
The gold lynx earrings—silent storytellers of Ani’s past—beckon visitors to the Kars Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum. In 2023, as they grace the exhibition halls, we’ll stand in awe of the craftsmanship that transcends centuries. Ani lives on, not only in ruins but also in the delicate curves of these ancient treasures.
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