White Cross Stone, Tandoor, Platform. Findings telling about the life and lifestyle of Tavush in Tavush Castle

During the 2022 excavation period, in addition to excavations in the citadel itself, archaeologists also worked on various parts of the path leading up to the citadel to uncover the ancient road leading to the citadel.

Tigran Aleksanyan, Head of the Expedition – As a result of excavations and cleaning works, it was found out that the old road leading up to the citadel was in the place of the current path, and retaining walls were built in different parts of it. Above it, on the right and left sides remains of partially preserved walls were found.

Excavations reveal the principles of construction in medieval Armenian fortress construction, which protected the citadel from attacks. The enemy did not immediately enter the citadel but found himself in an area surrounded by walls, where he fell under the attack of the fortress defenders from all sides.

During the excavations, stone tools, white cross stone, tandoor, and other items were found, which confirm the written facts about the life and lifestyle of medieval Tavush.

Archaeological excavations have been going on for the third year in Tavush Castle, revealing the architectural details of the medieval construction. The exact date of the foundation of the fortress is not known; the first mention is exactly 1100 years ago, in 921, which is known from Hovhannes Draskhanakertsi’s “Armenian History”.