TOURINFO-February 24, 2024-In a remarkable archaeological discovery, over 30,000 relics have been unearthed from a 6,000-year-old tomb in Yeghegis, Armenia. The tomb was discovered during excavations that commenced in 2020. Professor Levon Yepiskoposyan, leading the Evolutionary Genomics Laboratory at the Institute of Molecular Biology, emphasized the significance of the find. He noted that the relics represent a pivotal era in which societies transitioned from hunter-gatherer lifestyles to agriculture.

Among the findings were the remains of both domesticated and wild animals, indicating the importance of hunting in the lives of ancient Armenian peoples. Junior researcher Satenik Mkrtchyan further elaborated on the significance of the wild animal remains in understanding human activities of the era.

The Yeghegis 1 archaeological site has attracted the attention of international expedition teams and experts, highlighting Armenia’s enduring appeal in the global archaeological community. Professor Yepiskoposyan remarked, “Armenia has always been an interesting location on the world’s archaeological map,” underscoring the country’s rich historical and cultural significance.
He further explained, “Armenia’s territory is situated in such a location which, according to experts, has always been the crossroads of migration of people and animals during all periods,” shedding light on the strategic importance of Armenia’s location.

The ongoing excavations, scheduled to continue in July 2024, hold promise for uncovering more about this fascinating period and contributing further to our understanding of ancient Armenian societies. This discovery not only adds a significant chapter to Armenia’s archaeological record but also enriches the broader narrative of human history.
Yeghegis, a village in the Yeghegis Municipality of the Vayots Dzor Province in Armenia, boasts a rich historical past. It was a prominent economic and political center during the Middle Ages, serving as the seat of the Orbelian Dynasty in the 13th and 14th centuries. However, after various incursions and earthquakes, the village was eventually abandoned.

In 1988, Armenian refugees from Sumgait, following the Sumgait pogrom, were deported from Azerbaijan and resettled in the village. Today, Yeghegis stands as a testament to Armenia’s enduring history and the resilience of its people.

TOURINFO-JUANITA MOURADIAN