For the study of the history, culture, socio-economic and spiritual life, crafts, art, everyday life, inter-territorial relations and interactions of the first half of the 2nd millennium BC in the Armenian Highlands, the powerful and diverse archaeological and cultural centres of Trialeti-Vanadzor, Karmirberd and Sevan-Artsakh, with their rich and luxurious princely tomb complexes and the unique and highly artistic finds discovered in them, were of paramount importance.

The main economic activities, agriculture and animal husbandry, developed rapidly, especially in the foothills and mountains. Various crafts developed, especially pottery and metalwork.

The exhibition presents:

• An exclusive selection of finds from ongoing archaeological excavations in Armenia.
• The “royal tombs” (Karashamb, Lori Berd, Nerkin Naver, Aruch) of the Trialeti-Vanadzor culture, characterised by their splendour and richness, bearing witness to the radical changes that took place in the material, social and spiritual life of society.
• Dragon (vishap) stelae associated with water, earth, air, fire and the rebirth, fertility and ancestor worship derived from them.
• Clay vessels decorated with multi-figure scenes, which contain eloquent evidence of ancestor worship, cosmic concepts, beliefs symbolising the idea of the sun, water and fertility.