The director of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia’s Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography, Pavel Avetisyan, mentioned during a press conference at Armenpress that interesting studies were conducted in 2019 regarding the Stone Age and early people, which especially have to do with how fire was used. He also spoke about how an ancient and massive water supply system was found in Artashat, which was tied to the Roman era.
“Our legendary capital of Artashat was an important seat for monarchs,” the institute’s director said. He also said that the foundations of palatial constructions were found under private properties near Artashat. Along with other topics, the expert also spoke about the early Neolithic settlement found near Lernagog.
He also spoke about the projects of the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography for 2020 and the opening of the historical layer under Republic Square.
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According to Pavel Avetisyan, there is a serious issue connected to the preservation of these monuments that will come about when huge construction projects are undertaken. “The entire territory of Armenia is an archaeological site. Before carrying out any work, expert conclusions need to be made.” According to the expert, there are ancient graves that have been destroyed.”
“On the road from Artashat to Khor Virap, there are huge areas of land that have been fenced off. They took 100-200 square meters of land and made that into their families’ graves. Meanwhile, those are monuments. Some of these graves were built on monuments,” he said.
He added that the institute is now working with those who are responsible so that appropriate changes can be made in the Law on Preservation and Use of the Immovable Historical and Cultural Monuments and Historical Environment. According to Avetisyan, the law needs to include a provision that punishes individuals for destroying historical monuments and make local governments also supervise this law’s enforcement.
“People do not understand the meaning of cultural heritage,” the speaker said.
Gohar Hakobyan
