Odzaberd

Name: Odzaberd inscription
Monument type:Inscription
Region: Gegharkunik Province
Periods: Urartian

Name: Odzaberd

Other nomination: Tsovinar

Monument type: City-dwelling, castle, citadel, outer settlement, burial ground, cuneiform inscription

Region: Gegharkunik

Community: Martuni

Residence: Tsovinar

Location: Odzaberd is located in Gegharkunik province, RA, between the villages of Artsvanist and Tsovinar, about 70 m south of the exit of the Arpa-Sevan aqueduct.

Preservation: The southern ramparts and the south-eastern watch tower of the castle are quite well preserved. Caused by various climatic factors, several parts of the cuneiform inscription of Rusa I, carved into one of the north-western rocks of the monument, are damaged. The outer settlement stretching to the south of the castle was quite damaged as a result of reclamation works carried out in the area during the Soviet years. A tomb with its cromlech fixed to one of the hills south-west of the castle is damaged as well. The excavations conducted in the territory of the castle in 2014-2019, show that the most well-preserved late Urartian structures known to us in the southern basin of Sevan with their ordinary layers were discovered in Odzaberd.

Coordinates: 40° 9’10.21″N, 45°29’43.09″E

Altitude: 1971 m

Era and chronology: The monument dates back to the VIII-VI centuries B.C. However, it should be noted that during the aerial archaeological researches, the Early Bronze Age pottery fragments dating back to the III millennium B.C. were revealed. Burials from the Late Antiquity period were also excavated in the monument area, moreover, during the aerial studies, pottery from the High Middle Ages was also discovered.

Odzaberd: Emanating Power and Glory in Each Stone

As you gaze upon the ancient stones of Odzaberd, you can’t help but sense the enduring aura of strength that emanates from this fortress, resonating deep within your soul.

To the Urartians, Odzaberd symbolized power and authority—a strategic stronghold that guarded the roads and fortresses lining the southern basin of Lake Sevan. Its very existence was intertwined with the prosperity of the region, including the fabled Sotk gold mines.

And what is certain is that despite the many centuries that have passed, this imposing edifice stands as a testament to ensure that the echoes of the past are forever etched into its stones.

In Armenia’s Gegharkunik province, nestled between the picturesque villages of Artsvanist and Tsovinar, lies Odzaberd, a treasure trove of history and mystery. Also known by the evocative name “Tsovinar,” this ancient citadel carries within its weathered walls tales of grandeur, power, and enigmatic legends.

Odzaberd was more than just a castle; it was a sentinel, a guardian of the southern basin of Lake Sevan. It stood resolute, protecting the road and the chain of fortresses that stretched along the southern edge of the lake.

This stronghold is a tapestry of time, dating back to the VIII-VI centuries B.C. However, its roots reach even further into antiquity, with pottery fragments from the Early Bronze Age discovered during aerial archaeological research. From the High Middle Ages to the Late Antiquity period, Odzaberd continued to evolve and change, absorbing the essence of each era.

Though time and nature have taken their toll, Odzaberd still bears the marks of its ancient glory. The southern ramparts and the south-eastern watchtower stand proudly, a testament to its enduring strength. Yet, the cuneiform inscription of Rusa I, etched into one of the north-western rocks, bears the scars of time.

The architectural beauty of this edifice is a fusion of Urartian and local Etiuni styles. Its walls, a testament to the craftsmanship of its builders, combined semi-cyclopean structures with Urartian wall paintings. The castle was a labyrinth of roads, weaving through the north-eastern, north-western, and south-eastern sections.

One cannot ignore the awe-inspiring masonry structure in the south-eastern part of the fortress, reminiscent of the Urartian Susi temples. The ramp, perhaps the most impressive feature, may have served both defensive and aesthetic purposes.

The soil beneath Odzaberd’s stones hides a trove of secrets. Excavations have revealed fragments of pottery, bronze rings, and iron rivets. The castle and its surroundings tell stories of life and prosperity in the VIII-VI centuries B.C.

But Odzaberd is not just a historical site; it is a repository of legends. Before the construction of the Arpa-Sevan water tunnel, the area was said to be inhabited by snakes, leading locals to name it “Snake Fort.” Stories passed down through generations speak of a dragon that resides atop Odzaberd. It descends to Lake Sevan to bathe, leaving behind enigmatic tracks.

FACTS

❈ Odzaberd, also known as “Tsovinar,” is an ancient citadel located between Artsvanist and Tsovinar villages in Armenia’s Gegharkunik province, steeped in history and mystery.

❈ Dating back to VIII-VI centuries B.C., this fortress served as a guardian of the southern basin of Lake Sevan, protecting a chain of fortresses along the lake’s edge.

❈ Despite the passage of time, remnants of its ancient glory endure, with the southern ramparts and south-eastern watchtower still standing tall.

❈ The castle’s architecture is a blend of Urartian and local Etiuni styles, showcasing craftsmanship through semi-cyclopean structures and unique wall paintings.

❈ Excavations at Odzaberd have unearthed pottery fragments, bronze rings, and iron rivets, shedding light on life and prosperity during the VIII-VI centuries B.C.

❈ The site is also a repository of legends, including tales of snakes inhabiting the area before the construction of the Arpa-Sevan water tunnel and the presence of a dragon that descends to Lake Sevan, leaving mysterious tracks.

🔍 Research history

Studies of the monument began in the early 1860s, after the discovery of an inscription carved into one of the western rocks of the castle by Archbishop Smbateants of Mesrop. The name of the ancient site, Teisheba, called by the Urartian monarch in the honor of the god of thunder and lightning, is attested here, “City of the god Teisheba”.

The first excavations in the monument were carried out by the famous Armenian ethnographer and archaeologist E. by Lalayan. The latter notes:

“I passed from Geotak-bulagh to Keolani-ghyr, where there are foundations of an ancient castle and a cuneiform inscription, right next to this castle, on the shore of the lake. Searching for tombs around the castle, I could only find three and excavated them. One of these tombs was located on the south-western side of the castle, on top of a hill. It was round, surrounded by stones, 7 meters in diameter. After taking two large slabs, the grave covered with a hewn stone was opened. The length was 3 meters, the width – 1.50 meters; it was completely filled with soil. After digging about 2 meters, a long-headed skeleton was discovered, oriented from north to south and severely rotted. No items or clay bowls were found nearby. The other two tombs were in the same condition, again with graves directed from north to south, and some skeletons, only these did not have walls, but a large slab stretched on the floor with a deceased lying on it. “

Traces of a circular structure were noticed by the Odzaberd archaeological expedition on top of the hill south-west of the castle in 2015. One can clearly see the traces of digging in the middle and a large flat stone on the surface resembling cobblestones. A bit north-west of the hill is a rectangular structure with clearly visible excavation marks. Apparently, it is in the area E. Lalayan carried out the above mentioned excavations.

At the beginning of the 1930s B. Piotrovsky, A. Ajyan and L. Gyuzalyan carried out aerial studies of the monument.

Excavations were carried out in Odzaberd by Piotrowski in 1934. However, the archaeological work lasted only a year, and unfortunately the results were published only in the form of reports or memoirs. Based on them, Urartian and Early Bronze Age layers were recorded during the exploration excavations conducted in 1934. The famous archaeologist has detected small tombs on the hills to the east and south-east of Odzaberd.

As a result of the archaeological studies of the excavations in 1934, bones of cattle (Bos taurus), domestic sheep (Ovis aries) and pig (Sus scrofa domestica) were noted by V. Gromova.

G.Mikayelyan carried out measurements and studies in Odzaberd in the 1960s, and in the 1990s, aerial archaeological surveys and measurements were carried out here by the Armenian-Italian archaeological expedition of the Sevan Basin. As a result, the relocation of the monument, geological research were implemented, great attention was paid to the architecture and architectural traditions of the monument, as well as aerial studies were carried out: the intertemporal pottery collected as a result, refers from the Early Bronze Age to the High Middle Ages.

The joint Armenian-Italian (2014-2015) and then Armenian (2016-2019, expedition leader: Mikael Badalyan) archaeological expedition carried out excavations in the area of Odzaberd in 2014-2019.

🧱 Archaeological description

Location
Odzaberd is located in Gegharkunik province, RA, between the villages of Artsvanist and Tsovinar, about 70 m south of the Arpa-Sevan aqueduct exit. In the Urartian period, there were small powerful authorities or perhaps tribal unions in the western and southern coastal area of Lake Sevan. Based on the aerial materials, the monument had early layers. After being conquered by Rusa I, it appears to be rebuilt.

Stratigraphy
According to the legend, the first structure of Sevanavank was St. Haroutyoun (Resurrection) temple founded by St. Gregory the Illuminator in 305. According to chronicle and lithographic sources, Armenian kings and princes took refuge on the island of Sevan during the Arab conquests. The prosperous period of the monastery in the 9th century is connected with its leader Mashtots Yeghvardetsi (future catholicos). During his reign the congregation was expanded, and Princess Mariam, the daughter of King Ashot A Bagratuni and widow of Vasak Gabur of Syunik, built St. Arkelots and St. Astvatsatsin churches in 874. In 883 on his return from Georgia, King Ashot A visited Sevanavank and made many donations. During the battle against the Arab general Beshir in 921/2, Ashot B Bagratuni fortified on the island of Sevan. As a result of the enemy raids, Sevanavank was abandoned restored for several times.
The monastery played an important role in the field of education, generated many high-ranking clergymen. Many relics and church utensils, handwritten and printed literature were kept in the monastery. The churches were renovated in 1956-1957, as well as in the 1990s. Currently Vaskenian Theological Academy operates on the island, with a three-story church in its courtyard. ?

Architecture
Odzaberd monument consists of several parts: castle, citadel, outer settlement and tombs.

The walls of Odzaberd Castle represent a combination of Urartian and local Etiuni architectural traditions. Here you can notice an ancient semi-cyclopean structure combined with wall paintings characteristic of Urartian architecture. The castle had at least three roads: north-eastern, north-western and south-eastern. Both the castle and the citadel rows are filled with stones.

The masonry structure excavated in the south-eastern part of the fortress is of great importance; it reminds the Urartian Susi temples with its architectural plan. The eastern part of the monument seems to be cut by a gorge and separates the monument from the rocky hills. Traces of cut stones are noted here. The stones intended for the Odzaberd construction were likely to be brought from that area.

One of the features of Odzaberd can be considered the presence of a ramp extending along the citadel. Such structures are known in the Margahovit and Norabak 1 monuments. The ramp excavated in Odzaberd is perhaps the most impressive in its appearance. These structures could have both defensive and aesthetic functions. The fact of the citadel walls lying on Urartian bricks assumes the Odzaberd ramp to be dated to the Middle and/or Late Iron Ages. The existence of the wall fences allows us to discuss several options: a. The citadel walls were laid in a late phase and the citadel was built in the post-Urartian-Yervandian period; b. the bricks, the ramp and the aforementioned enclosures are synchronous and can be dated to the Urartian period. As noticed by H. Danielyan, the system with such trap-shaped platforms has its parallels in the environment of similar structures in Asia Minor and in particular the Hittite world (Hattusa).

Excavations carried out in the outer settlement prove that double-rowed or double-rowed retaining walls were typical here. Mainly clay floors were used in the castle, the citadel and the outer settlement.

Findings

Various pottery fragments were found from the monument. During the excavations carried out in the outer settlement, a parcel of fish cane and a bronze ring were discovered as well. The excavations conducted in the castle, revealed iron rivets, clay awl heads, and a single jug. The vast majority of the finds can be dated to VIII-VI centuries B. C.

A pottery burial was also discovered next to the enclosure, in the outer settlement of Odzaberd, in the south-eastern part. Due to the restoration and fortification works, it was possible to complete the pot to be dated to the III-IV centuries.

🌍 Significance

Apparently, Odzaberd was considered one of the most important centers of the southern basin of Lake Sevan. Odzaberd was of great importance for the Urartians. It was an important point guarding the road and chain of the fortresses stretching along the southern basin of Sevan. In this context, one should not forget about Sotk gold mines. Odzaberd was significant in the Cyclopean fortress system of the north-eastern zone of the Armenian highlands.

📜 Traditional legends

At one time, until the construction of the Arpa-Sevan water tunnel (1963-1981), the area of the castle was full of snakes, which caused the locals to call it Odzaberd (Snake Fort). In this context, a program told by Nelly Minasyan from Tsovinar is interesting: she heard this story from her grandfather and grandmother. According to the latters, a dragon lives on top of Odzaberd; from time to time it descends from the castle, bathes in Lake Sevan and returns. Dragon tracks are told to be often seen here.

📚 Sources

Literature

Badalyan M., Mikayelyan A., Dan R., Kyureghyan H., Iskra M., Yeghiazaryan A., Kzlyan V., Hovsepyan R., Vitolo P., Zakyan A. 2016. Preliminary results of the Odzaberd excavations conducted in 2014-2015 (brief overview), A. Filiposyan. (ed.), Issues of Archeology and Paleodemography of Armenia, International Conference Dedicated to the 100th Anniversary of Van Excavations, Yerevan, “Metsamor” Historical Archaeological Reserve-Museum, pp. 31-34
Badalyan M., Mikayelyan A., Kyureghyan H., Iskra M., Hovsepyan R., Nahapetyan S., Yeghiazaryan A. 2017, Preliminary results of the Odzaberdi excavations in 2014-2016. Metsamor readings, № I, Yerevan, Historical-Cultural Museum-Reserve and Service for the Protection of Historical Environment SNOC p. 205-246.
Badalyan M., Simonyan H., Gabrielyan A., Mikayelyan A., Yeghiazaryan A., Kyureghyan H. 2022, Burials excavated in the outer settlement of Odzaberd, Shirak’s historical and cultural heritage. Contemporary issues of Armenian Studies, Gyumri, Shirak Center for Armenian Studies, page 30.
Badalyan M., Mikayelyan A., Yeghiazaryan A., Kyureghyan H., Hovsepyan R., Simonyan H., Nahapetyan S. 2022. Preliminary results of the Odzaberd excavations in 2017-2019, Maritime Armenia. The archaeological heritage of Usuri-Etiuni country (ed. Badalyan M., Bobokhyan A., Martirosyan-Olshansky K.), Yerevan, p. 345-360.
Danielyan H. 2014, New data on the defense systems of ancient Armenia, Middle East, № IX-X, Yerevan, pp. 124-132.
Yeghiazaryan A. 2021. About the single jar found in Odzaberd in 2018, Middle East, No. XV, Yerevan, pp. 73-81.
Mikayelyan G., Cyclopean fortresses of the Sevan basin. Archaeological Monuments of Armenia 1, Yerevan, 1968, Armenian SSR Academy of Sciences Publishing House. Kalantar A., Two Cuneiform Inscriptions of Rusa I, Sarduri’s son, Message of the Antiquities Conservation Committee of the USSR 3, Yerevan 1927:.
Lalayan E., Nor-bayazet province or Gegharkunik. Prehistoric period. Ethnographic Journal 13, 1907, 166-206.
Piotrovsky B., Guzalyaan L., Fortresses of Armenia in the pre-Urartian and Urartian times, Problems of the history of material culture, 5-6, Leningrad, 1933, 50-59.
Badalyan M., Kzlyan V., Iskra M., Mikayelyan A., Kyureghyan H. 2016, Odzaberd (Tsovinar): A Brief Preliminary Report on the 2014-2015 Excavations, in: Narimanishvili G., Kvachadze M., Shanshashvili N. (ed.), Aegean World and South Caucasus: Cultural Relations in the Bronze Age, Tbilisi, Mtsignobari, p. 163–177.
Hmayakyan S. 2002, The Urartians on the southern coast of the lake Sevan, Documenta Asiana VII, Roma 277-300.
Sanamyan H. 2002, Fortress of Tsovinar (Odzaberd), “The City of [god] Teisheba, The North-Eastern Frontier Urartians and Non Urartians in the Sevan Lake Basin, Documenta Asiana VII, Roma, , 319-324

List of monuments
Gegharkunik 5.52/1

Gallery

Odzaberd from the south. Aerial photo. Odzaberd expedition.
Cuneiform inscription of Rusa the First of Odzaberd. Odzaberd expedition.
Odzaberd topographical mine with sites highlighted in red. Odzaberd expedition.
The post-Urartian structure with its adobe floors opened in site A of Odzaberd. Odzaberd expedition.
Entrance to the western wall of Site D 1 with the pots fixed towards the floor with their mouths. Odzaberd expedition.
The jug fixed to the floor in the northern corner of the northern outer row of the northern wall of site D 3 and in the northern corner of the 3m wall. Odzaberd expedition.
Three clay ring heads of hilts from site D 3. Odzaberd expedition.
Western wall of Site D 3 with final excavated situation. Odzaberd expedition.
The two post-Urartian rooms fixed in the outer settlement of Odzaberd. Odzaberd expedition.
Bricks fixed in the corner test pit at site G and the wall rising above them. Odzaberd expedition.
Retaining wall for site G ramp. Odzaberd expedition.
Site G at the end of the 2019 season. Odzaberd expedition.
Outer settlement: Site H at the end of the Paleoperiod and the main pottery finds. Odzaberd expedition.
Pottery Burial Excavated at Site H. Odzaberd expedition.