Preliminary report on the 2016 season in Metsamor (Armenia)

Abstract

Excavation in Metsamor in 2016 was focused on the settlement area as well as necropolis. Extended trenches uncovered a substantial part of the settlement and contributed new stratigraphic and chronological data on the three phases of occupation, especially the heavy fire that appears to have destroyed the buildings in the early 8th century BC. A unique find from this level of destruction was a necklace made of sardonyx, agate and gold beads. In the post-Urartian period, the northeastern part of the settlement was clearly rearranged. Exploration of a kurgan tomb in the cemetery showed that the tomb had been reused for the most recent burial, looted, which may have included a symbolic horse burial. The construction of the tomb, based on finds from a layer at the bottom of the burial chamber, which included several golden adornments and beads of different materials, can be dated to the Middle Bronze Age, the latest burials to the Iron I period. Team Fig. 1. Metsamor: general view of the excavated area of the settlement (PCMA Metsamor Project/photo M. Truszkowki)

Investigations on the southern slope of the Nymphaion plateau (1972–2018)

“…6 Khanzadyan et al 1973. 7 Jakubiak et al 2016Jakubiak et al 2017, Jakubiak et al 2019 lier excavations, which were carried on the site for many years. 6 Thanks to these earlier researches, it was possible to recognize the traces of settlement developing since the Chalcolithic period, which has been grounded on the top of the citadel mound.…”

Metsamor in Armenia: the sixth season of fieldwork in 2018

“…The presumed settlement was abandoned after the early Iron Age II period, but only for a short period of time. The area was later levelled with a relatively thick layer of compacted clay (Jakubiak et al 2017). The only feature remotely associated with the second phase of the settlement is a large round pit, discovered west of structure S1.…”