Erebuni Fortress
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This archaeological landmark was once one of the fortifications of the northern border of the ancient state of Urartu, as well as one of the most significant political, economical and cultural centres in the country. Overlooking the Arax River Valley, Erebuni was founded in the late 8th century BC by the Urartian King Argishti I; quite a few of his successors chose Erebuni as their residence during fights with invaders from the North. In the early 6th century AD when the Urartian state collapsed, the Erebuni Fortress retained its strategic significance and, as the settlement expanded, eventually grew into the city of Yerevan. The mid-1900s saw extensive excavations start at the fortress, uncovering the Argishti Palace, the Royal Assembly Hall, several temples and over 100 rooms adorned with murals which revealed many new aspects of the Urartian religion and social life. The finds uncovered at the archaeological site - ceramics, jewellery, chalices, helmets, weapons, etc. - are currently on view as part of the permanent exhibition of the History Museum of Armenia.
Posted 03/2010