“Giant’s House” Petroglyph Group

Giant’s House: The petroglyph Group of Aragats

As you explore the captivating landscapes of Aragatsotn, you may encounter the “Hskayi Tun” (“Giant’s House”) petroglyph group. This archaeological treasure, steeped in history was discovered during an expedition led by the renowned Armenian priest, musicologist, and composer Komitas in 1893. Komitas, accompanied by fellow adventurers, ascended Aragats, the tallest peak in Armenia, where the rugged terrain and breathtaking vistas were likened to the figures of giants.

At the summit, Komitas was moved to song, as the mighty Aragats unveiled its timeless grandeur. During this journey, the group discovered the ancient petroglyphs, hidden amongst the rocks, showcasing Armenia’s rich cultural heritage. In recent years, modern archaeologists have revealed approximately 800 more petroglyphs, providing a captivating glimpse into the past. The “Hskayi Tun” petroglyph group transcends time, connecting you with Armenia’s historical legacy and inviting explorers to uncover its enduring mysteries.

The “Hskayi Tun” (“Giant’s House”) petroglyph group, also known by the alternate names of “Ahmad Oba” and “House of Topal (lame) Bro’s son, Alo,” is a testament to Armenia’s rich archaeological heritage. It offers profound insights into the distant past of the Aragatsotn region. Nestled amidst the natural beauty of Aragatsotn, this remarkable accumulation of petroglyphs is a valuable monument that has been carefully preserved and stands as a living testament to a bygone era.

Situated approximately 10.5 kilometers north of Antarut and 9 kilometers west of Vardenut, at an elevation of 2700-2750 meters above sea level, the “Hskayi Tun” petroglyph group occupies a serene setting on the southern shelf of a low hill. The site’s gentle slope, about 20 degrees, provides an ideal canvas for the remarkable collection of rock carvings.

With pristine preservation, the petroglyphs have managed to maintain their artistic grandeur over the millennia. They bear witness to a profound cultural and artistic legacy that dates back to the V-II millenniums B.C., making them a crucial link to Armenia’s ancient heritage.

This petroglyph group of Aragats is indeed a monument of republican significance. What sets it apart is its uniqueness among the Aragats petroglyphs. It represents one of the earliest layers of these historical artifacts, offering a precious window into the ancient history of the region.

A note from history reveals that the “Hskayi Tun” petroglyph group has long held a revered status in the eyes of those who explored the majestic terrain of Aragats. As early as 1893, these carvings were discovered, testament to the enduring allure of this ancient site. Renowned figures such as Komitas, a prominent Armenian priest, musicologist, and composer, visited this sacred place for five days alongside Mesrop Ter-Movsisyan.

Komitas, known for his dedication to preserving Armenian music and folklore, embarked on this exploration into the heart of Aragats. Alongside him, Mesrop Ter-Movsisyan, another distinguished individual of the era, ventured into the hills. They marveled at the ancient petroglyphs, where local Kurdish inhabitants guided them to stones adorned with depictions of animals and jewelry, offering a captivating glimpse into the aesthetics and symbolism of the distant past.

The petroglyph group is considered a sacred place, where legend intertwines with history. According to local folklore, it is believed that these carvings were built by giants, hence the name “Giant’s House.” This nomenclature adds an aura of mystique and grandeur to the site.

A particularly interesting note from history arises from Komitas’s account of his journey to Aragats in 1910. He scaled the mountain with a group of church members, referred to as “yegheghetsakan.” As they climbed, they marveled at the rock formations, which Komitas poetically likened to the figures of giants who stand like sentinels on the slopes of Aragats. During their ascent, Komitas and his group were able to reach the highest peak, a testament to their stamina and determination.

Upon reaching the summit, Komitas was so moved by the grandeur of Aragats that he began to sing. The mountain itself, standing as a sentinel to Armenia’s ancient past, had revealed its majesty to the group. During their journeys, they discovered the petroglyphs, which remain a treasure trove of historical significance.

In recent years, during 2021 and 2022, contemporary archaeologists have uncovered approximately 800 petroglyphs, shedding new light on the magnitude of this ancient site and the extensive artistic expressions etched into the rocks.

Aragats is more than a mountain. one of it’s best kept secrets are petroglyph group called “Giant’s house”  is in pristine condition, first discovered in 1893 and also described by Komitas 

10 facts about Giant’s House 

1. Discovered in 1893 
2. As described  by     xxxx Komitas visited for 5 days with Mesrop Ter-Movsisyan

   (19 page article)   

   • brief note about who is komitas? 
   • who is Mesrop ter movsisyan 
   • climbed aragats in 1910 with a group of Church people  – yegheghetsakan
   • He describes Aragats as a family of giants of various sizes, who stand still as the picks of the mountain 
   • he mentioned that only Komitas has climbed to one of the peaks of Aragats because he has been hiking for a long time and had a stamina. The rest of the group was there for the fist time 
   • Only three of the group, including Komitas, who had a good stamina succeeded to climb to the highest peak.   when reached the peak, Komitas started singing 
   • During this trips they discovered the petroglyphs. Local Kurdish inhabitants showed them the stones with animals and jewelry 
3. It is considered a sacred place 
4. In pristine conditions 
5. It is unique among the Aragats petroglyphs, representing one of their earliest layers. 
6. 5-7 c BC
7. 2021-2022 about 800 petroglyphs were discovered  – real number by contemporary archeologists 
8. Legend says build by giants, hence the name 

FACTS

❈ “Hskayi Tun” petroglyph group in Armenia’s Aragatsotn region is a well-preserved testament to the region’s ancient heritage.

❈ It features rock carvings dating back to the V-II millenniums B.C. and holds republic-wide significance.

❈ Notable figures like Komitas explored the site in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, marveling at the petroglyphs and their connection to ancient
aesthetics and symbolism.

❈ Local folklore attributes the carvings to giants, adding mystique to the site’s name, “Giant’s House.”

❈ Contemporary archaeologists have discovered around 800 petroglyphs in recent years, revealing the site’s extensive artistic expressions.

❈ The site stands as a living testament to Armenia’s rich archaeological heritage and its connection to a bygone era.