Excavations at historical and cultural archaeological sites are underway in Aghtsk, a village on the slopes of Mount Aragats in the Aragatsotn province of Armenia.

Excavations were conducted regularly, but were left unfinished. Visiting the village in 2014 and touring the 4th century buildings, including the chapel, basilica, the mausoleum of Arsacid kings and the excavation site, Armenia’s Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan instructed to resume the excavations.

Leader of the archaeological expedition at Arsacids’ mausoleum, archaeologist Hakob Simonyan presented the results and findings of the first phase to the PM on Wednesday, July 29, as well as detailed the expeditions’ proposals concerning the next stages of excavations.

Abrahamyan emphasized the importance of the preservation of unique historical and cultural monuments.

Minister of Culture Hasmik Poghosyan said, in turn, that an archeology development project was introduced to the government with not only scientific, but also educational goals.

14 masterpieces were included in the list of historical and cultural monuments of Aghtsk commune, including Ahgtsk architectural complex dating back to the 4th century, Arcasids’ mausoleum built in 364 A.D., remains of a 4th century church, mausoleum and tomb dating back to the 2-1 millennia B.C. to name a few.