Lchashen

Name: Lchashen
Monument type: Grave field
Region: Gegharkunik Province
Periods: Prehistoric

Name։ Lchashen

Monument type: Castle, settlement, cemetery, dragon stone

Region: Gegharkunik

Community: Sevan

Residence: Lchashen village

Location: The ancient site of Lchashen is located 5 km south-west of the city of Sevan, 400 m south-east of the village. The monument is located in the environment formed by rock formations at the northern end of Geghama Mountains. The castle-city is bordered by the waters of Lake Sevan from the east.

Preservation: The castle is tumble down. In 2008-2009, partial strengthening works under the leadership of architect H. Sanamyan were carried out in Lchashen, in the northern part of the citadel, on the initiative of the RA government.

Coordinates: 40օ30՛46.96, 44օ56՛52.96

Altitude: 1965 m

Era and chronology: The monument is multi-layered. The excavations and aerial material observation in the monument revealed fragments of Copper Age pottery (V-IV millennia BC), a pure Early Bronze Age cultural layer, evidenced by buildings and tomb structures (first half of the IV-III millennia BC).

In various sites and tomb complexes of the citadel, there are evidences of Middle Bronze Age cultures (3rd millennium BC, II half – I half of the II millennium).

The foundation of the citadel, the construction of the walls and settlements, and the main part of the burials in the cenotaphs refer to the Late Bronze Age (XV-XIII centuries BC), which is the prospering period of the Lchashen culture.

In the Sevan basin, particularly in Lchashen, there are evidences of Urartian presence (the cuneiform inscription of Argishti I, the reconstruction of the north-western part of the citadel, VIII-VII centuries BC). There are also antique and medieval cultural layers in Lchashen.

Lchashen: A Multilayered Chronicle of Wonders

As you explore the ancient layers of Lchashen, you’ll find yourself drawn into a world where the echoes of history resound with each step. This remarkable site, perched on the majestic shores of Lake Sevan, invites you to embark on a journey through time, unveiling the rich and multifaceted stories woven into its very foundations.

Lchashen, with its diverse features including a castle, settlement, cemetery, and the enigmatic “dragon stone,” is more than just a place; it’s a treasure trove of archaeological wonders, where each layer of the past reveals a different facet of human history and makes you discover hidden narratives that have endured for millennia.

Nestled amidst the rugged landscapes of Armenia’s Gegharkunik region, lies the ancient site of Lchashen. This enigmatic place, rich in history and mystery, boasts a unique blend of architectural wonders, intriguing findings, and a chronology that spans millennia. This ancient site is located 5 km south-west of the city of Sevan, 400 m south-east of the village. Situated at the northern end of the Geghama Mountains, this extraordinary castle-city is a testament to human ingenuity, nestled in a natural environment defined by rugged rock formations. To the east, Lchashen is gracefully bordered by the azure waters of Lake Sevan, adding a scenic and breathtaking dimension to its historical importance.

Lchashen is a monument of unparalleled importance on the global stage. Its historical relevance cannot be overstated. The castle, the settlement, the cemetery, and the fabled “dragon stone” have all been essential pieces of the puzzle that historians and archaeologists have been trying to solve. This site has, over time, yielded an extraordinary array of findings that provide valuable insights into the region’s ancient past.

The history of the site unfolds through its many layers. From the fragments of Copper Age pottery dating back to the V-IV millennia BC to the thriving Late Bronze Age period around the XV-XIII centuries BC, Lchashen has witnessed the passage of time and the evolution of cultures. Urartian inscriptions, evidence of ancient and medieval periods, and the continuous excavation efforts paint a vivid picture of the region’s historical tapestry.

Lchashen’s fortress spans an impressive 17 hectares, with estimates suggesting even larger sizes. Fifteen large and small hills, deep ravines, and natural rock formations form the complex’s intriguing terrain. It is surrounded by a formidable 5-kilometer wall constructed from massive local basalt stones. Inside these walls, six citadels stand tall, each with its unique character. The central citadel, situated on a high hill, is the oldest and most prominent, fortified with a protective wall in harmony with the hill’s natural contours. Lchashen’s architecture tells tales of ingenuity, resilience, and adaptation.

The excavations at Lchashen have been nothing short of astounding. Pottery of various ages, spearheads, metal objects, and even two-wheeled and four-wheeled wooden carts and chariots have emerged from its ancient depths. Notably, the cemetery at Lchashen holds precious relics such as figurines of birds, deer, bronze weaponry, and even toiletries crafted from precious metals. Unique pottery styles, like the four-sided clay boxes, multi-valve vessels, and three-colored pottery, showcase the distinctive characteristics of the Lchashen Bronze Age culture. These discoveries tell stories of craftsmanship, trade, and a rich cultural heritage.

Lchashen isn’t merely a place but a time machine that allows us to peek into the lives of those who inhabited this land centuries ago. The objects found in Lchashen’s depths unveil stories of connections with distant lands, the development of metallurgy, the art of pottery, and woodworking. The formidable defense system of the fortress, including its wheeled vehicles and the privileged individuals buried alongside them, adds to the intrigue.

While the castle has crumbled over time, preservation efforts have not been in vain. In 2008-2009, restoration work under the guidance of architect H. Sanamyan breathed new life into the northern part of the citadel. The Armenian government took the initiative to strengthen this archaeological gem, ensuring that Lchashen’s legacy endures for future generations.

FACTS:

Lchashen, located in Armenia’s Gegharkunik region, is an ancient site rich in history and mystery.
Situated near Lake Sevan, it’s a testament to human ingenuity amid rugged rock formations.
Lchashen’s historical relevance is of global importance, with a complex history spanning millennia.
The site has yielded valuable insights into the region’s ancient past, from the Copper Age to the Late Bronze Age.
The fortress, spanning 17 hectares with formidable walls, showcases architectural ingenuity, resilience, and adaptation.
Excavations have unearthed pottery, metal objects, chariots, figurines, and precious relics, reflecting a rich cultural heritage.
Lchashen offers a window into the lives of ancient inhabitants, their connections with distant lands, and their advancements in metallurgy and pottery.
Preservation efforts, including restoration work in 2008-2009, have ensured the enduring legacy of Lchashen.

🔍 Research history

I. S. Polyakov explored the surroundings of Lchashen and excavated the castle in 1866.
In the 1880s M. Arch. Smbatyants researched and later in 1883 published the cuneiform inscription of Argishti I.
A. A. Ivanovski excavated three slab tombs in the area of Chkalovka village in 1893.
E. Lalayan excavated tombs in the Sevan basin, as well as in Lchashen in 1904-1906.
L. Gyuzalyan and B. Piotrovsky did research in Lchashen in 1931.
Researcher of the History Museum of Armenia, H. Mnatsakanyan conducted periodic excavations in the Lchashen castle and settlement in 1956-1975: he excavated 295 burial structures and more than 30 dwellings both in the castle and in the settlement opened in front of the cuneiform inscription.
In the 1960s, within the framework of H. Mnatsakanyan’s expedition, G. Mikayelyan conducted archaeological research in the Lchashen citadel for the purpose of studying the fortresses of the Sevan basin.
The excavations of the three-layered tomb accidentally opened in Lchashen are carried out by H. Israelian in 1978.
The excavations in the Lchashen cemetery are continued by V. Avetyan in 1975-1986.
The studies in the Lchashen cemetery continued in 1989-2006 by a researcher of the Institute of Archeology and Ethnography of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia, L. Petrosyan, who excavated 223 tombs here.
Joint Armenian-Italian expedition (leader: S. Hmayakyan, R. Bishone) carried out complex research in Lchashen in 2004-2006.
The expedition of the Scientific Research Center for Historical and Cultural Heritage (led by H. Simonyan) carried out excavations in the first citadel of Lchashen in 2009, 2016 and 2021.

🧱 Archaeological description

Architecture
Lchashen fortress covers an area of 17 hectares (Simonyan 2022, 171), according to G. Mikayelyan: 35 (Mikaelyan 1968, 13), according to V. Avetyan: 50 ha (Avetyan 1994, 143). The Lchashen complex includes 15 large and small hills, ravines, rock formations and stonemasons. The complex is surrounded by a 5 km long wall lined with massive local basalt stones. The fenced area is divided into two parts by a valley running from the north-east to the south-west. Six citadels were separated inside the wall: the main and the earliest is the first one located in the eastern part of the complex, on the top of a high hill. The east-west oriented, oval-shaped (95 m long, 47 m wide) hill with the citadel located on it, is bordered by a fence of 3.5-5 m width and up to 5 m height, placed according to the natural relief of the hill. Parallel to the main wall, two more rows of walls are built on the slopes of the hill forming shelves.

The main entrance of the castle (width: 6 m) is from the north-western side: a 4 m wide road protected by two powerful towers leads to it. The second entrance to the citadel is from the north-eastern side, narrowed by subsequent reconstructions.

After the conquest of the Sevan basin by the Urartians, Lchashen fortress also underwent certain changes. In particular, the north-western part of the central citadel has been reconstructed, where well-crafted rectangular stone blocks, vertical sections of the walls and masonry are visible.

In front of the Lchashen Urartian cuneiform inscription, an unprotected settlement spread out, and 150 m east of it, the cemetery with the Great burial mounds (there were 120 burials in this area, 10 of which were buried with wheelchairs (carts, chariots) of the privileged people of the Lchashen community. The cemetery extends to the entrances of the Chkalovka village.

The citadel and the surrounding walls are made of massive basalt stone in the midis style. The latters have a width of 2-5 m, in some places the height reaches 2-4 m. The walls are built on the high slopes of the hills, taking advantage of the opportunities provided by the terrain. Excavations in the citadel and adjacent settlements uncovered the remains of rectangular, circular and irregular structures. Out of about 40 structures excavated in the Lchashen fortress, 4 had gabled roofs, and most of them were covered with a dome shape (on the principle of a false gable). In most of the excavated dwellings, the anchors of the four columns supporting the roof structure were discovered, as well as facts testifying of the capital.

Findings

Excavations have revealed many forms and types of pottery from the Early, Middle, Late Bronze Ages and the Iron Age. The quadrangular box found from the shelter, crucibles, pots, bowls, etc. are noteworthy. A spear tip, arrow and other metal objects were also found. Two-wheeled and four-wheeled wooden carts, chariots and their bronze group statues, figurines of birds, deer, bronze swords and daggers, sabres, axes, spears, spears, arrows, arrows, toiletries made of precious metals, mortar, sardion and other materials were found in the cemetery. Among the discovered objects, the four-sided boxes made of clay, the boxes with windows, the pedestals, the huts with side table-shaped protrusions, the double-indented clay bowls, the multi-valve vessels and the three-colored pottery – the Lchashen Bronze Age culture uniqueness, are worth mentioning.

🌍 Significance

Lchashen is a monument of world importance. The objects found from the castle excavations and cemetery are of particular importance for the illumination of the history of the ancient period of the region.

The fortress has a powerful defense system: separate citadel, more than two dozen wheeled vehicles (carts, chariots) found in the cemetery and burials of the persons with privileged status accompanied by them, objects showing connections with the East Asian countries (seals, weapons, forms of pottery objects), developed traditions of metallurgy , pottery and woodworking.

📚 Sources

Literature

V. Avetyan 1994, On the issue of the chronology of the Cyclopean fortress of Lchashen, Journal of Social Sciences, No. 1, pp. 142-150.
L. Tseretyan, N. Manaseryan, L. Mkrtchyan, H. Sanamyan, H. Simonyan 2021, The main results of excavations of the central citadel of the Lchashen city, Archaeological heritage of Uduri-Etiuni country, Yerevan, pp. 171-187.
G. Mikayelyan 1965, The Cyclopean Castle Complex of Lchashen, Historical Journal, No. 1, pp. 284-290.
G. Mikayelyan 1968, Cyclopean fortresses of the Sevan basin, Archaeological monuments of Armenia No. 1, Yerevan, USSR State Publishing House, 116 pages.
H. Mnatsakanyan 1965, The main stages of the development of Lchashen culture, History and Philology Journal, No. 2, pp. 95-114.
L. Petrosyan. 2018, Lchashen cemetery, no. I, Yerevan, National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia, 416 pages
H. Sanamyan 2010, The formation stages of Lchashen’s rampart and the defense system, “Monument” yearbook, vol. F, pp. 45–52.
A. Mnatsakanyan 1957, Excavations of the burial mounds on the coast of the lake Sevan in 1965, Soviet archeology, no. 2, pp. 146–153.
N. Parmegiani , B. Raffaele 2004, Armenian-Italian Archaeological Expedition, Field Season 2004, Studi Micenei ed Egeo-Anatolici, pp. 284-295.
H. Sanamyan 2002, Architectural Structure, Defensive Systems and Building Rechnique of the Fortifications, in: Biscione R., Hmayakyan S., Parmegiani N. (ed.), The North¬ Eastern Frontier: Urartians and non-Urartians in the Sevan Lake Basin, vol. I, The Southern Shores, Roma, CNR Instituto di Studi Sulle Civiltà dell’ Egeo e del Vicino Oriente, p. 325–350.

History Museum of Armenia, fund 1, list 6, file 353.

Urartian cuneiform inscription – 4.40/1

Tombs – 4.40/3-4

List of monuments.
Aragatsotn 2.3/4