Lazaravan Township

Lazaravan: Neverending Layers of Sacred Landscape

As you explore Lazaravan township, you can’t help but be captivated by the layers of history that have shaped this culturally rich settlement and burial ground.

As you stand here, surrounded by the echoes of centuries past, you can’t help but marvel at the resilience of this township. It has weathered the storms of time, and its stories are etched into the very stones that make up this ancient enclave.

Today, Lazaravan stands in a relatively good condition, offering a unique glimpse into Armenia’s rich history, and remains an archaeological treasure trove waiting to be explored and understood by you.

Nestled in the picturesque region of Aragatsotn, Armenia, the Lazaravan township, also known as Ghazaravan, is a captivating archaeological site that offers a window into the rich history of this ancient land. With its multi-layered history, this remarkable settlement, described as a “sacred landscape,” has a story to tell that spans millennia.

Located just 1.5 kilometers northeast of Ghazaravan village, Lazaravan occupies the left bank shelf of the Shahverd River gorge. At an altitude of 1500 meters, it enjoys a breathtaking natural setting that complements its historical significance.

Lazaravan’s historical roots run deep, spanning several eras and chronologies. It witnessed the Late Bronze to Iron Ages, from the mid-II millennium to the mid-I millennium BC, and even flourished during the Middle Ages, from the V to XV centuries.

Archaeologically, the township reveals itself as a complex site with a diverse array of structures. It consists of a citadel, a settlement, and a burial ground, all interconnected to form a comprehensive picture of life through the ages. In addition to these features, a medieval village with remnants of churches, a chapel, a cemetery, and numerous cave-dwellings can still be found within the monument’s boundaries.

The citadel, occupying about 1.5 hectares, is a standout element of Lazaravan. Its walls and fortifications, dating back to the Bronze-Iron Ages, are a testament to the craftsmanship of that time. The citadel’s position along the Shahverd gorge, protected by sturdy walls and 12 towers with a rectangular plan, suggests its strategic importance. Inside the citadel, the ruins hint at the presence of grand monumental buildings, possibly including a palace in the northeastern section.

The layout of the city itself is impressive. With straight streets lined with residential houses, Lazaravan exhibits a well-planned urban design. Wide squares serve as focal points, with streets radiating out from them, some stretching up to an impressive 6 meters in width.

Evidence of the city’s longevity can be gleaned from the abundance of pottery samples discovered on the citadel grounds. These artifacts suggest that Lazaravan thrived during the XIV-IX centuries BC.

The burial ground, extending along the western edge of the city and spanning north to south, provides further insights into the spiritual and cultural practices of the people who called Lazaravan home. Meanwhile, the medieval village located in the southern part of the city, including portions of the citadel, offers a glimpse into more recent history.

FACTS: 

❈ Lazaravan, in Aragatsotn, Armenia, is a captivating archaeological site with a rich history.

❈ It spans multiple eras, from the Late Bronze Age to the Middle Ages, revealing millennia of human activity.

❈ The site includes a citadel, a settlement, a burial ground, and remnants of churches, chapels, and cave-dwellings.

❈ The citadel’s well-preserved walls and fortifications from the Bronze-Iron Ages suggest its strategic importance.

❈ Lazaravan’s urban design, with straight streets and wide squares, provides insight into its well-planned layout, and abundant pottery samples indicate its
flourishing period during the XIV-IX centuries BC.