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Armenia is
a real paradise for those interested in archaeology. There is no virtually a
single place not occupied by any archaeological monument. It is a common
situation when digging private house cellar - not to speak about major
construction works for highways or factories - results in new exciting
discoveries.
The history of human settlement of
Armenia dates back to Early Stone Age. Numerous cave settlements, rock carvings
and impressive material unearthed indicate continued progress of first social
entities at the territory of Armenian Plateau.
| The Bronze Age was the period of
formation of the Indo-European and early Armenian tribes, as well as of huge
waves of nomads and migrating masses virtually from all directions. It is the
times when Armenian tribe unions and confederations were neighbouring Hittite
and Assyrian Kingdoms, when the megalithic observatory of Karahunj and the
first complete cycle metallurgic factory of Metsamor were built. Rich findings
of sites and tomb fields of Lake Sevan basin, Aragats Mount region and many
others allows to restore the picture of life of what later became Nairi
Kingdom.
Period of Urartu - Biblical Ararat
Kingdom - was marked by the invention of iron, active construction of towns,
fortresses, temples, as well as roads network. Arts and especially shrine
crafts reached level of genuine masterpieces.
Hellenism in Armenia is demonstrated
by unprecedented fusion of local and Greco-Roman elements practically in all
spheres of life. It was the peak of might of Armenian Kingdom that expressed in
establishment of new capitals, towns and development of fine and applied arts
and crafts. Modern excavations provide an opportunity to affirm the notes on
Armenia of such ancient authors, as Strabo, Pliny and many others.
Christianity adoption gave a mighty
impetus and made Armenia recognized leader in such areas, as architecture,
literature, natural sciences and arts.
This short description allows
considering the range and volume of archaeological activities in Armenia.
Everyone interested in history and
culture can find his or her own places of interest or just one inimitable
corner long dreamed.
Below mentioned is the average or
basic tour that can be tailored according to your choice and preferences, as
well as the time of your trip. In addition to immediate participation to
excavation process these tour also provide visits to numerous ancient sites,
monasteries, museums and exhibitions.
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SANCTUARY COMPLEX NEAR
HOGHMIK
Duration: 10 days/ 9 nights
Start and finish in Yerevan
Accommodation: hotels and village house
 Day 1: Welcomed at Zvartnots airport and roomed in a
hotel in Yerevan. After a short rest you'll undertake a tour around Yerevan,
the magnificent capital of Armenia, representing a sweet mixture of East and
West cultures, ancient and modern.
Day 2: You'll spare on
visiting the temple of Garni (I c. AD), suspended between earth and sky, on the
top of huge granite rocks. You'll also go to ageless monastery of Geghard (IV
c. AD), carved in rock of a deep canyon. The lunch will be served at the house
of Garni resident Sergei and provide rare opportunity not just taste, but also
to witness and to take part in cooking of the most delicious Armenian dishes.
Back to Yerevan you'll have leisure hours to lead your private investigation in
the local shops, bars, restaurants or any other areas and make your own
discoveries.
Day 3: Departure to
Hoghmik. The first stop will be at Metsamor - ongoing excavation and museum on
the site of an urban complex with a large metallurgical and astronomical center
(4,000 to 3,000 BC). Next visit will be to Bronze Age open-air temple-city of
Agarak. You will also visit Harichavank monastery built in VI-VII AD and
situated on a cape formed by shallow ravines and rivers flowing through them.
At the evening you will arrive to Hoghmik for 5-day excavation period. During
the dinner you will get acquaintance to the Head of Excavation Group Ph.D. Hayk
Hakobyan and his team.
Days 4-8: Though the
ancient sources mention the existence of numerous religious centers, but it's
for the first time in Armenia, when site, owned by pagan shrine was unearthed.
The excavations opened the complex of temples, administrative buildings, food
storages, dating to Hellenistic and Roman era /II BC- IV AD/. It was dedicated
to the God of the Sun Vahagn - Mithra - Tir - Apollo, while also implementing
the rituals dedicated to Anahit, Goddess of beauty and fertility. Owners of
fertile wheat fields and rich herds, local priests were using the benefits of
position on the trade route from the Sebastopolice on Black Sea to the city of
Ekbatana in ancient Iran, which was sufficiently functioning since Median
period through Classic and early Medieval times. The food and local pottery was
exchanged with fine ceramics, jewelry and exotic goods from Egypt, Syria, Iran
and Asia Minor. Surrounded by hills, alpine meadows and springs it is in the
middle of rye field on the left bank of Akhuryan River (Rah of ancient sources)
approximately 20km north to Giumry, the second city of Armenia. The sharpness
of the plan is expressed in fine proportions and use of "sacred"
numbers. The unearthed area of more than 40 halls and rooms is 70x70m. and
expected estimations are for 400x150m. Collected artifacts show active
relations with Greece, Rome, Iran, as well as Levant.
The field parties of this complex provide improved data, highlighting
connections between of architectural styles, cults, arts of with that of Middle
East region and explain the peculiarities of strong cultural contacts with
Greek-Roman world.
The sanctuary complex was excavated since 1987 by field expedition of Institute
of Archaeology and Anthropology of the National Academy of sciences, headed by
Ph.D. H.Hakobyan.
After the breakfast field party members have 15-minutes promenade to the
excavation site. Five-hour working day is interrupted by yogurt break and a
bath at nearby springs for one hour. Siesta and one hour of processing the
findings follow the dinner and briefing at the camp concludes the daily duties.
The team members are involved in whole working cycle - digging, preparation,
processing, conservation and registration.
Day 9:
On the way to Yerevan you will visit the medieval fortress of Amberd, a
fortress of great defensive significance, which sheltered people of nearby
villages during the enemy's attacks. Amberd is situated at a height of 2300 m
on the slopes of Aragats Mountain. And the last point of the tour will be
Saghmosavank (XIII century), perching on the edge of precipitous gorge, amazing
by compact arrangement of the monuments, clever use of the terrain and well
thought-out decorations. The ensemble is famous for its depository of
manuscripts.
Day 10: is given to
visitting the Fortress Town of Erebuni, the ancient forerunner of Yerevan,
located at Arin-Berd hilltop. At present Erebuni is partially restored and made
into an open-air museum. In the pathway of the entrance to the fortress Erebuni
Museum (1968), located in the pathway of the entrance to the fortress. The
second place of great importance you'll visit this day is Matenadaran, one of
the world's largest depositories of ancient manuscripts (more, than 17,000
documents) and the Institute for manuscript study. Here the tour of this day
will end, and you'll have some leisure hours for wandering and shopping.
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Day
11:
Departure.
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