Remains of the Historical Capital of Artashat Palace Discovered

During excavations conducted in the administrative area of the Akhuryan community in the Ararat Province of Armenia, a columnar structure has been discovered. This information was provided by the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of Armenia, which specified that ministry staff visited the excavation site to examine the column bases and discuss potential preservation methods.

The excavations are being carried out by the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography at the Armenian National Academy of Sciences. According to the head of the expedition, M. Zardaryan, the discovered structure is columned and represents one of the buildings of the historical capital of Artashat. Four column bases have been identified, while the remains of the other columns are still buried under soil layers.

Based on the expedition's studies, the structure has several cultural layers dating back to the pagan period, specifically in the 2nd to 1st centuries B.C. and the 1st to 2nd centuries A.D. After a complete study, it will be possible to museify the site, creating a tourist destination unprecedented in Armenia, along with the development of local infrastructure.

Possible legal options for the preservation and museification of the monument have been discussed, and a deadline of the next two weeks has been set for making a final decision.

The historical capital of Artashat was constructed by Artashes I between 189-188 B.C. on 12 large and 1 small hill, one of which is currently the site of the Khor Virap monastery complex. Archaeological excavations began during the Soviet era and continued with interruptions during the years of independence. During this period, remnants of baths, their mosaics, coins, and various structures and elements have been discovered. Some of these have been studied and museified, while others are still undergoing analysis by both local and foreign specialists.