Archaeological Complex of Horom

Name: Archaeological complex of Horom
Monument type: Settlement
Region: Shirak Province
Periods: Prehistoric

Name: Archaeological Complex of Horom

Other nominations: Horom, Horom fortress, Artsnaberd

Monument type: Castle-residence (Horom 1, Horom 2), burial grounds, altar

Region: Shirak

Community: Horom

Residence: Horom

Location: The complex is located in Shirak province, 15 km north-south-east of Gyumri city, 10 km north-east of Artik, on the left bank of Mantash river. The settlements and the tomb-field are located between the villages of Horom and Nor Kyank, on the two sections of the Gyumri-Artik road. The monument extends to the tops and slopes of the hills with a relatively higher position, and the cemetery is located south-east of the hills.

Preservation: Tumble down

Coordinates:

Horom 1՝ 40o30’24.3”, 43о53’55.3”
Horom 2՝ 40o39’14.6”, 43o55’58.2”

Elevation: 1570 m

Era and chronology: Early Bronze Age settlement and tombs (IV-III millennium BC), Middle Bronze Age settlement (XIX-XVII centuries BC), Early Bronze Age settlement and tombs (XV- XIII century BC), Early Iron Age fortress and a citadel of the Urartian periods, a natural site and burial ground (XII-IX, VIII-VI centuries BC).

Horom: Unearthing the Secrets of a Mystical Land

In the heart of Armenia’s Shirak region, the Archaeological Complex of Horom offers a captivating journey through the annals of time! While its name may have changed and its residents have long departed, the stories engraved in its stones and artifacts continue to enchant explorers and history enthusiasts.

Horom is a place where the past beckons to the present, inviting you to unravel the mysteries of an enduring civilization.

And as you traverse this site, you’ll embark on a transcendent journey that nourishes your soul.

Perched atop the rugged hills of Shirak, Armenia, the Archaeological Complex of Horom, known by various names like Horom Fortress and Artsnaberd, stands as a silent sentinel to millennia of history.

Horom is a place of contradictions and harmonies. It’s a castle-residence that once buzzed with life, but now its stone walls echo with tales of the past. The burial grounds bear witness to the rituals and reverence of long-lost civilizations, while the altar stands as a testament to the spiritual significance of this site.

This site is surrounded by stunning natural beauty. It’s located 15 kilometers north-southeast of Gyumri city, a mere 10 kilometers northeast of Artik, along the left bank of the Mantash River. This strategic positioning once made it a hub of activity, as it lies between the villages of Horom and Nor Kyank, flanking both sections of the Gyumri-Artik road.

The complex’s sprawling reach extends across the rolling hills, with the cemetery nestled to the southeast. As you explore, you’ll feel the enchanting aura of a place where civilization unfolded over centuries.

The significance of the Horom archaeological complex is undeniable. It’s a unique treasure among Armenian archaeological sites, holding the distinction of being the largest Iron Age complex in Shirak province. Its grandeur can be compared to the major urban centers in the Ararat valley and the Sevan basin. The complex provides a precious glimpse into the developmental trajectory of Bronze and Iron Age cultures, a testament to human adaptability and innovation.

At an altitude of 1570 meters, the Horom complex invites you to explore its two citadels: Horom 1 and Horom 2. Separated by 320 meters, these citadels extend in opposite directions across the northern and southern hills. The uneven terrain adds a sense of adventure to your journey.

Horom stretches from the north and northeast, touching the modern Horom village to the west, reaching the Gyumri-Artik highway, and extending to the burial grounds in the east and south. The settlement itself covers about 40-55 hectares, reflecting the complex’s historical significance.

Archaeological investigations have uncovered a rich tapestry of history. The earliest signs of human presence here date back to the Upper Paleolithic era, marked by the discovery of a hand axe in the southeast of the settlement. Subsequent phases reveal the evolving story of humanity: the Early Bronze Age, the Middle Bronze Age with its colorful pottery, and the Late Bronze to Early Iron Age transition.

The site witnessed the fusion of cultures with the arrival of the Urartians. Their legacy is visible in the red-engobe coated pottery and other artifacts dating to the 8th to 5th centuries BC.

Horom is more than just walls and artifacts; it’s a window to the past, a portal to different eras. As you stand within the walls of Horom 1 citadel, you’ll notice the three enclosures built during various phases of history. The rectangular towers and ancient walls evoke the architectural prowess of the past, protecting the heart of this ancient residence.

The Urartian invasion may have disrupted life, but it added another layer to Horom’s rich history. Although their presence was relatively short-lived, their influence merged with local Iron Age traditions, creating a unique blend of cultures.

Horom 2 fortress, perched on a 74-meter hill, covers 0.3 hectares of land. This area features stone walls, sometimes reaching 1.5-2 meters in height. The southern and southwest slopes of the hill bear witness to single-row and double-row structures with circular plans, adding to the mystique of this place.

As you wander the residence territory, a parallel road beckons with its 2-2.5-meter width and walls lined with raw stones. Alongside the road, various buildings stand, testaments to the past’s vibrant life.

Your journey in Horom isn’t just about physical structures; it’s about the people who once called this place home. Pottery objects, items crafted from metal, stone, obsidian, and bone, unveil glimpses of daily life. Symbols of power and signs of social stratification tell stories of ancient communities.

However, it’s the materials from the Urartian period that truly stand out. An Urartian vessel fragment adorned with stamped hieroglyphic images and calculation dots reveals the intersection of art, culture, and mathematics.

Adding an aura of mystery to Horom are the traditional legends that surround its name. The Armenians attributed it to the Genovese, Byzantines, or Romans, in line with the name “Rum.” This tradition has continued with immigrant Armenians naming it Horom. Another legend narrates the tale of Hripsime, the daughter of the king of Ani, who founded a castle atop Galachi, lending her name to the village. Yet another version connects the name to a Roman who ventured from Persia to this enigmatic land.

FACTS

❈ The Archaeological Complex of Horom, located on the rugged hills of Shirak, Armenia, tells a silent story of millennia of history through its castle-residence, burial grounds, and spiritual altar.

❈ This complex, situated between Horom and Nor Kyank villages, along the Mantash River, is a unique treasure and the largest Iron Age complex in
Shirak province, comparable to major urban centers in other regions.

❈ Horom invites exploration of its two citadels, Horom 1 and Horom 2, which reveal the evolving history of humanity, from the Upper Paleolithic era to the
Urartian period.

❈ The site, rich in artifacts and architectural remnants, offers a glimpse into daily life and the merging of cultures, particularly during the Urartian invasion.

❈ Legends and folklore add a sense of mystery to Horom’s name, with connections to the Genovese, Byzantines, Romans, and more, contributing to the site’s
enigmatic allure.

Research history

Horom’s scientific research began at the end of the XIX century with N. Mar’s visit.

Khalatyants excavated about three dozen tombs relating to the second half of the II millennia BC in Horom in 1909.

Toramanian visited Horom Castle accompanied by Atrpet in 1913, and alone in 1924, examining, photographing it and the surrounding settlement.

Observations were made in Horom by A. Hajian, L. Gluzalyan, B. Piotrovski and E. Bayburdyan in 1930.

The Early Medieval tomb opened in 1959 in the area of Vardakar village in Horom’s entrances, was investigated by by T.Khachatryan.

Observatory excavations were made by T. Khachatryan in Horom in 1967. Early Bronze Age items relating to the first half of the III millennia BC were found (HMA 2418/1-26).

The research team of the Institute of Archeology and Ethnography excavated 180 tombs relating to the Late Bronze age and Early Iron Age centuries in the Horom cemetery in 1987-1989.

The Armenian-American expedition (R. Badalyan, F. Kol) was engaged in the periodic studies of the Horomi monument group in 1990-1993. The expedition explored the two fortress-bearing hills, the settlement, and the burial ground.

Archaeological description

The Horom complex consists of two citadels: Horom 1 and Horom 2, extending oppositely to the northern and southern hills. The distance between the two citadels is 320 meters. The area is very hilly, the relief is uneven.The monument reaches the Gyumri-Artik highway from the north and northeast, and the modern Horom village from the west. The monument stretches to the burial ground from the east and south. The settlement stretches 700-800 m along the north-southern axis, and from the east to the west – 600-700 m, covering about 40-55 ha (Badalyan et al. 1992, 35).The stages and periods of the settlement area were outlined due to the archaeological researches. According to the Armenian-American-German expedition researches, the earliest stage of the Horom settlement is the Upper Paleolithic, evidenced by the hand axe found in the area south-east of the settlement (Badalyan et al. 1992, 35). The next phase of the settlement complex is the Early Bronze Age (IV-III millennia BC): the structures and burials discovered by the excavations of the slopes of Horom 1 fortress refer to this stage. The Middle Bronze Age cultural layer in Horom is represented by fragments of the colored vessels (XIX-XVII centuries BC), followed by the Late Bronze-Early Iron Age layer (XV-IX centuries BC), represented on the western slopes of Horom 2 and Horom 1.

In Horom this great phase is represented in the settlement, in the castle, and in the burial ground. The second period of the Iron Age is represented by red engobe-coated Urartian and Etiunian and/or urartified black and gray vessels and other objects in the castle, in the settlement, in the tombs, dating to the VIII-V centuries BC in Horom. The ancient and medieval layers were also noticed in the Horom 1 fortress: III-IV, VII-X centuries.

Horom 1 citadel is surrounded by three walls, built in different phases of the same period despite the differences in construction techniques.

The first enclosure is located on the north-eastern slope of the citadel. It stretches for about 52 m and ends with a rectangular tower. The second enclosure borders the hill and the north-eastern part of the hill. The enclosure covers an area of about 1.2 hectares with 160 m width and 100 m length. Here the walls are preserved with up to 2-3 meters height. The enclosure has entrances on both sides protected by rectangular towers.

The third enclosure covers a flat area of 1.7 ha. The preserved length of the wall is 300 m. The 2-3 m wide entrance noticed here is also protected by two towers.

Normal life in the northern and southern hills of Horom is disrupted at the beginning of the I millennium BC because of the Urartian invasions. After capturing the settlement, the Urartians built a citadel on top of Horom 1, rebuilt the walls, and established new districts outside the walls. Although the Urartian presence in Horom did not last long, but the new Urartian traditions definitely continue along the local – Iron Age traditions.

Horom 2 fortress is located on a hill with a height of 74 m. The castle has an area of 0.3 ha. It spreads over the uneven top of the hill and the southern slopes. The citadel, being preserved in certain areas, is bordered by a wall, sometimes having up to 1.5-2 m height, and is lined with cracked, rough, large boulders. In the northern part, parallel to the main wall, there is another one that forms the second vault. The settlement spreads on the southern and south-western slopes of the hill, where many single-row, double-row, rectangular structures with circular plans can be noticed. In the residence territory, to the north-southern axis, there is a parallel road of 2-2.5 m width and 0.4-0.8 m height with side walls lined with raw stones. There are many buildings next to the road. The multi-part structure, having a flat pavement (Badalyan et al. 1994, 16), and opened in the eastern part is noteworthy from the southern hill excavations.

Pottery objects, items made of metal, stone, obsidian, bone and other materials were found as a result of the excavations of Horom’s fortress-residence and burial ground. The discovered shells are represented by domestic and ritual vessels. Symbols of power and objects indicating social stratification in the community (hooks, scepter heads, belts, gold earring, copris hispanus pendants with Egyptian parallels, etc.) are exceptional. Among the materials related to the Urartian period, the fragment of an Urartian vessel with a stamped hieroglyphic image and calculation dots on the back are to be highlighted.

Significance

The Horom archaeological complex has regional significance. It is unique among the Armenian archaeological monuments. It is the largest Iron Age complex in Shirak province, comparable to the important urban centers of the Ararat valley and the Sevan basin in size and importance. The Horomi fortress-residence and burial ground are among the monuments where the development model of the Bronze-Iron Age period material culture is observed.

📜 Traditional legends

Relating to the name of Horom, Atrpet mentions that in the XVI-XIX centuries the Turks attributed it to the Genovese and the Byzantines, also called Rum, using the ruined fortress. The old and new people of the East called all the old fortresses by that name (sometimes “Rumkala“): following that tradition, the immigrant Armenians called the fortress Horom – according to the rules of the Armenian transliteration (Atrpet 1914).

According to another existing legend, the daughter of the king of Ani named Hripsime, founded a small castle on the mountain of Galachi. The village was named Horom after the latter. According to another version of the legend, the village was named after a Roman who lived in Persia and came to Horom (Ghanalanyan 1969, 185, hist. 491).

Sources

Literature

Atrpet 1914 Achkatarian (Cyclopean) fortresses of Shirak, Ethnographical Journal, 1913, XXV, N2, pp. 168-188.
L. Yeganyan 2015 (ed.) Shirak cradle of culture (exhibition catalog), Gyumri.
A. Khanalanyan 1969, Legends, Yerevan, ASSR GA ed., 530 pages.
B. Badaljan, Ch. Edens, Ph. Kohl, A. Tonikjan, 1992, Archaeological Investigations at Horom in the Shirak Plain of North-western Armenia, 1990, Iran, Vol. 30, pp. 31-48.
B. Badaljan, Ch. Edens, R. Gorny, Ph. Kohl, D. Stronach, A. Tonikjan, S. Hamayakjan, S. Mandrikjan, M. Zardarjan, 1993, Preliminary Report on the 1992 Excavations at Horom, Armenia, Iran, Vol. 31, pp. 1-24
B. Badaljan, Ph. Kohl, D. Stronach, A. Tonikjan. 1994, Preliminary Report on the 1993 Excavations at Horom, Armenia, Iran, Vol. 32, pp. 1-29.
R. Badalyan, Ph. Kohl, S. Kroll, 1997, Horom 1995. Report on the American-Armenian-German archaeological expedition in Armenia, AMIT, vol. 29, p. 191-228.
Ph. Kohl, S. Kroll 1999, Notes on the fall of Horom, Iranica Antiqua, XXXIV, p. 243-259
R. Badalyan, O. Agekyan 1993, Excavations of the Orom necropolis, Archaeological works in the new structures of Armenia-1, Yerevan, Academy of Sciences Publishing House of Armenia, 1993, стр. 67-75.
R. Mkrtchyan 2001, Paleoanthropology of the Orom burial ground, Yerevan, Ed. Zangak-97, 2001, 120 p.
T. Khachatryan 1975, Ancient culture of Shirak III-I millennia BC, Yerevan, Yerevan state. univ., 1975, 276 pp.

List of monuments

7.67.1 – Horom Castle
7.67.2 – Horom Castle
7.67.3 – Horom Castle
7.67.1.2 – City Hall “Horom”
7.67.1.1, 2.1, 3.1 – Cemetery
7.67.1.2.1 – Altar