HISTORY MUSEUM OF ARMENIA

Treasures of Artsakh: Part II

HMA > Treasures of Artsakh: Part II

Treasures of Artsakh: Part II

Treasures of Artsakh: PART II

Tigranakert, One of the Cities of Tigran the Great

The Armenian king Tigran II the Great (95-55 BC) founded several cities named after himself in different provinces of the Great Armenia (Aghdznik, Utik, Goghtan region), but so far only the city he founded in Artsakh has been investigated by archaeologists.

This city was built by the king at the end of 90s BC. Occupying for more than 70 hectares, the city spread over the slope of Mt Vankasar and into the neighboring plain on the right bank of the Khachen River. Tigranakert had a strategic importance in a defensive system for the highland, and continued to be a large military, administrative and religious center in early Christian times, existing until the end of the 13th century.

Excavations of the northern wall of the Fortified District of Tigranakert, 2009.

EXHIBITION GALLERY

  • Aerial photograph of excavations of the early Christian square of Tigranakert in 2017 by the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography of Armenia’s National Academy of Sciences.
  • Necklace, Second half of the 1st C. BC, Sonassar (Kʻashatagh), gold, History Museum of Armenia 3137/90. This golden necklace with an agate medallion and bird head motifs served as a talisman to ward off the evil eye and give power to the wearer. The gem is engraved with a Pegasus with its right foreleg extended forward. The depiction of animals in similar posture had religious significance.
  • Tin pendants, 10 pieces, Second half of the 1st C. BC, Sonassar (Kʻashatagh), gold, History Museum of Armenia 3137 / 1-80. Gold disc-shaped thin tin rosettes are made by stamping. The holes on both sides were for sewing onto a garment.
  • Capital, 4th C. AD, Chʻartar (Martuni), limestone, Artsakh State Museum of History and Country Study 4582. The main decorative motif of this capital is an encircled equal-winged cross with the rim decorated with triangular patterns. The sides are carved with floral rosettes, and the cornice with almond-shaped chain. The capital is an architectural element crowning a pillar or pilaster. In structures of the early period, capitals were sculpted with floral and zoomorphic figures or geometrical designs.