Idea #491 – Visiting the archeological site of the antic Erebuni in Armenia
Erebouni is an old fortress of Urartu period, on the site of Arin Berd, situated in the suburbs of Yerevan. It would have been built by kings Argishti Ier and Sarduri II at the beginning of the VIIIth century BC, in 782 according to an inscription in cuneiform writing on a paving stone of basalt found on the site, ” to rule the power of the country and intimidate her enemies “. Its name would have given “Yerevan.”
The palace is the most important monument of Erebouni. It was organized around a central court with porticoes. To the right was the throne room, which we reached by three small rooms acting as hallway. The rest of the building was formed by residences and warehouses in the North of the central court, as well as a small chapel in the urartean style, although having the peculiarity to be rectangular. Further south was a building in the indefinite function. We reached it by a central court, by which we reached inner courtyards. The part of the court by which we aaccess in the big side room were provided with two rows of columns, establishing a portico. In the achemedian period, this court was transformed into hypostylic room.
The site was excavated (unfortunately) during 1950s and 1960 by Soviet archaeologists; the restorations are rather mediocre, but one little still to understand the organization of the structures. The results of the excavations are shown in particular to the Museum Erebouni.
Some Pictures
Where is it ?
Erebouni, Erevan, Armenia