FRENCH INTERESTED IN EREBUNI EXCAVATIONS: HENRI REYNAUD
15:42, 30 July, 2013
YEREVAN, JULY 30, ARMENPRESS: The Armenian-French archeological
expedition summed up the 6th stage of the excavations carried out
in the Erebuni Fortress of Yerevan. The event was attended by the
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France to the Republic
of Armenia Henri Reynaud.
As reported by Armenpress, the Ambassador expressed his satisfaction
for the works implemented by the members of the expedition, stating
that he visits the Erebuni Museum and the nearby territory with great
interest and pleasure.
The Deputy Minister of Culture of the Republic of Armenia Arev
Samuelyan expressed her hope that the program will be continuative.
The Director of the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography of
the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia Pavel
Avetisyan added that it is very difficult to implement excavations
in the restored area and in this context the French experts do their
work very well.
The Armenian-French archeological expedition has launched the
excavations since 2008.
The Erebuni Fortress, Yerevan was built in the last quarter of the
8th century BC by King Argishti I. The Erebuni Fortress, Yerevan is
a Urartuan stronghold which is situated within the city area. The
archaeological remains found here proves the existence of the people
of these areas for three thousand years. It is one of the most visited
Tourist attractions in Yerevan. The excavations here have revealed
palaces, temples and also domiciles of antiquity on the extensive
premises. Renovations are going on to restore the buildings and walls
of these structures. One can also find certain well-preserved items at
the site. Yerebuni is one of the biggest towns on Arin-berd hill on
the south east end of Yerevan. Historical records say that Yerebuni
was constructed by Argihti I in 782 BC. The layout of the Fortress
was made very orderly with the town neighborhoods being located at
the foot of a hill. A Fortress is placed on the top that dominates
the surrounding area. The Erebuni Fortress in Armenia overlooks the
town and the Ararat plain along with its settlements.
A cuneiform inscription testifies that the city was built by Argishti
I the King of Urartu in 782 BCE. The majority of the fortress was
built from raw bricks. The citadel was encircled by strong walls in
some places built in three rows. The temple of God Khaldi occupied an
important place in the fortress. The walls of the temple were decorated
with numerous frescos. Archeologists have found giant karasses (pitches
for storage of wine) buried in the ground. Ceramics, potter’s wheels
and other articles used in everyday life were also unearthed during
excavations. There is a huge collection of artifacts, sups, jars,
bronze bracelets, glass, agate beads and many other things that
tell us about the life of the citadel, the tastes and habits of its
inhabitants. The building of the Museum that houses 12,235 exhibits
were constructed by architects Baghdasar Arzumanyan and Shmavon
Azatian and sculptor A. Harutyunyan. It has two branches in Shengavit
and Karmir Blur with 5,288 and 1,620 exhibits respectively in stock.