1200 sepulchers discovered in RA Shirak Region within the last 15 years

PanARMENIAN.Net - Yerevan hosted a discussion on "Ancient settlements in Armenian uplands". The discussion was initiated by Tsirani Social Organization.



A report on "Ancient settlements in Armenian uplands" was delivered by NAS Archaeology Institute Director Pavel Avetisyan.



As a result of 15 years' archaeological excavations, lots of materials testifying to the existence of ancient settlements in Armenian upland were discovered. 1200 sepulchers were discovered in Shirak Region, Armenia.



According to Archaeology and Ethnography Institute Director, among the archaeological finds a great number of sepultures with richly decorated carriages, military carts and other items which had once belonged to aristocratic families were found.



"The main problem Armenian archaeologists have to face is the absence of guards at excavated territories. Territories of archaeological value are being turned into building yards or rock quarries. All the archaeological objects discovered are on the verge of disappearance for absence of proper guard," Pavel Avetisyan said.



He also added that within the last 3 years RA Government has been allocating funds to excavations in Armenia, allowing 20 archaeological studies to be conducted annually.