Archaeological Excavations of Ancient Monuments in Armenia 1985-1990

This article surveys work on sites at Armavir (ancient Argishtichinili), Artashat (the ancient capital), Ervandashat, Karchakhpure, Shamiram, Dvin, Beniamin, Anushavan, Hokhmik, and Vardbach, for the period 6th c. B.C.-4th c. A.D. The sites investigated are very varied, from villages and fortress-settlements to cities. They reveal the continuities of Urartian and Achemenid culture into the Hellenistic period and show the position of Armenia in the ancient Near Eastern economic system. They also highlight the impact of the Hellenistic world in Armenia from the 2nd c. B.C. onwards, the abiding influence of Hellenism in the area, and the role of Armenia as a mediator and source of Hellenization for the central regions of the Transcaucasus area.