Cultural Layer Uncovered During Construction Works in Central Yerevan

In late autumn 2021, during construction works at the "Children's Park" located in the center of Yerevan's administrative area, traces of structures and fragments of domestic and construction pottery were uncovered. This information has been reported by the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of the Republic of Armenia.

Following the directive of the Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, specialists from the "Scientific Research Center of Cultural Heritage" studied the site and documented the presence of cultural layers. Subsequently, archaeological excavation work began in collaboration with the Yerevan City Municipality and the park's management (with the expedition led by Meri Safaryan).

Archaeologists conducted localized investigations aimed at studying cultural layers, after which the excavation team unearthed remnants of "rooms" with brick walls and flooring within adjacent small sections.

“Interestingly, there is a tunnel constructed with small black tuff walls and covered with large slabs of tuff, which may be part of the ancient Yerevan (late Middle Ages or New Era) water supply or drainage system,” says the head of the expedition, Meri Safaryan.

The finds include numerous fragments of domestic pottery made of yellowish and brick-colored clay, covered with a yellowish glaze, as well as pieces of glazed, faience, and ceramic vessels (dating from the late Middle Ages to the Soviet period), bones of various animals (mainly sheep and cattle), and details made of copper alloy, intended for both domestic use and decorative purposes.

Among the noteworthy items are a fragment of a bell-shaped incense burner inscribed in Arabic script (15th-18th centuries), a lock made of bronze (the locking mechanism belonging to an iron chest from the late 19th century), and a coin made of copper alloy (which will reveal more details about its era after cleaning).

According to archaeologists, the discovered cultural layer and artifacts will shed new light on the history of Yerevan. It is worth noting that the excavations are nearing completion, and discussions are underway with the Yerevan City Municipality and the park's management regarding the preservation and potential options for the excavated areas.