Rare artifacts unearthed in Tatev monastic desert

PanARMENIAN.Net - Preparatory excavation efforts in the Tatev Great Desert have already led to significant discoveries.

The entire area has been cleared of dense vegetation and shrubs, making previously inaccessible sites now fully open to visitors. Numerous monastic cells and auxiliary structures have become accessible. Inside them, after cleaning, hundreds of stones were reorganized, many containing fragments of architectural elements and monuments, according to the “Research Center for Historical and Cultural Heritage” under Armenia’s Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports.

Several chambers, sealed for years, have been reopened. While excavations are mostly still in the preparatory phase, partial digs in certain areas have uncovered both glazed and unglazed ceramic and porcelain fragments.

Notable progress has been made in clearing the interiors of structures like the tomb roof, dining room, kitchen, and other buildings. Among the recovered artifacts are pieces of inscribed khachkars (cross-stones) and tombstones.

Particularly noteworthy are the recently discovered anchor, a stone hearth, a glazed cup fragment, and other archaeological items.

The excavations are still ongoing.