My 1st Q. – ‘What areas of Ancient Armenia have yet to be explored by
Archaeologists?’
AI – ‘Archaeologists still have vast areas of Ancient Armenia to explore, including the remote eastern parts of Lake Sevan, the high plateaus of the Shirak Province, and the mountainous region of Artsakh, particularly its less accessible areas like the eastern Artsakh steppe. Additionally, specific types of sites, such as the megalithic structures at Hartashen and the complex anthropomorphic stelae in Artsakh, are poorly understood and require further in-depth study to fully grasp their purpose and context.
Specific Areas and Sites:
- Eastern Lake Sevan Basin:
This area has been poorly explored, and despite the discovery of numerous new sites, the general patterns of land use, particularly around gold deposits, are still being uncovered.
- Hartashen Megalithic Avenue:
Located in Shirak Province, this site features large, ancient standing stone avenues whose purpose is still debated and has not been properly studied.
- Artsakh Steppe:
The eastern parts of the Artsakh steppe and the Mil Plain are considered physically inaccessible for extensive study, hindering research into the distribution and context of their unique anthropomorphic stelae.
Why These Areas Are Underexplored:
- Remoteness and Inaccessibility:
Some regions, such as parts of the eastern Artsakh steppe, are difficult to reach, which limits on-site investigations.
- Lack of Focus:
The archaeology of certain regions, like the eastern shore of Lake Sevan, has historically received less systematic research.
- Geopolitical Limitations:
The current border situation in Artsakh makes it impossible to conduct studies on or access sites on the other side of the border.
- Need for Advanced Techniques:
Understanding sites like the Hartashen Megalithic Avenue will require further dedicated archaeological investigation, potentially using aerial photography and geoarchaeological methods.
My 2nd Q. – ‘Since ancient Armenia was the cradle of winemaking was there international trade?’
AI – ‘Yes, the international trade of wine from ancient Armenia is supported by evidence such as Armenian depictions of wine as tribute to the Persian king at Persepolis and mentions by Greek historians like Herodotus and Xenophon. These findings indicate that ancient Armenian wine was not only a cherished local product but also a valuable commodity that traveled along major trade routes, notably the Silk Road, contributing to its fame and appreciation far beyond its borders.
Evidence of International Trade
- Persepolis Murals:
Elaborate murals on the Apadana stairs at Persepolis depict Armenian delegations presenting gifts of wine in metal vessels to the Achaemenid king Darius the Great around 522-486 BCE, signifying the wine’s value and status as a trade good.
Ancient Greek historians like Herodotus and Xenophon noted Armenia’s significant wine production and its export to large cities like Babylon. Xenophon, for instance, documented Armenian wine in his book “Anabasis”.
- Silk Road Trade:
During the Middle Ages, Armenia’s strategic location on the Silk Road facilitated the exchange of goods and culture, with Armenian wine being traded and appreciated across a wide area.
The Significance of the Winemaking Tradition
- Ancient Origins:
The discovery of the world’s earliest known complete winemaking facility in a cave in Armenia, dating back about 6,000 years, underscores the ancient roots of this tradition.
- Monastic Role:
Monasteries played a vital role in preserving and advancing winemaking knowledge and techniques during the Middle Ages, ensuring the continued production of high-quality wines.
- Cultural Connection:
Wine was deeply integrated into ancient Armenian life, from birth to burial, and held religious significance.
Modern Legacy
- Contemporary Exports:
Today, Armenian wine is exported to over 30 countries, with significant markets including Russia and the United States.
- Growing Industry:
The modern Armenian wine industry is experiencing a resurgence, with innovative producers bringing ancient traditions to the global stage and fostering growing international interest.’
‘In which modern states is Ancient Armenia located today?’
AI – ‘Ancient Armenia occupied a larger territory than today’s Republic of Armenia, and its lands are now located within modern-day Turkey, Armenia, Georgia, Iran, and Azerbaijan. At its peak, ancient Armenia extended from the Black Sea to the Caspian Sea and from the Mediterranean to Lake Urmia.
Modern states encompassing Ancient Armenia:
- Turkey:
A significant portion of the historical Armenian homeland is in northeastern Turkey, particularly in the region around the Mount Ararat.
- Republic of Armenia:
This is the core of the historic Armenian territory and its modern-day nation-state.
- Georgia:
Parts of ancient Armenia also fall within modern-day Georgia, located to the north of the Republic of Armenia.
- Iran:
In its ancient and medieval periods, ancient Armenian lands included parts of present-day northwestern Iran, particularly the region around Lake Urmia.
- Azerbaijan:
Some territories of ancient Armenia are now part of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region, which was an Armenian-inhabited district within Soviet Azerbaijan and was historically part of the Armenian lands’