Tsaghkahovit Township

Tsaghkahovit: Unearthing the Layers of an Extraordinary Township

As you embark on a journey to explore the enigmatic lands of history, you find yourself standing at the threshold of Tsaghkahovit, a castle-settlement where echoes of ancient civilizations resonate through the layers of time. 

Here, the past invites you to take a walk through its labyrinthine pathways, offering glimpses of the multifaceted history that has shaped this remarkable site. 

As you delve deeper, you’ll discover the diverse layers of human existence that have left their mark on Tsaghkahovit, a place where history comes to life in ways that only a privileged few get to experience.

Perched atop a hill amid the rugged terrain of Armenia’s Aragatsotn region, on the eastern edge of the village that shares its name, lies the captivating township of Tsaghkahovit. This remarkable site bears the weight of history upon its ancient stones, a place where layers of time unravel to reveal a multi-faceted past. Known as Tsaghkahovit castle-settlement, this township is a treasure trove of archaeological significance, and its chronicles date back to various epochs.

The monument retains much of its original structure, attesting to the enduring nature of human history. It has weathered the ages, preserving its tales for the curious traveler who seeks to delve into the annals of time.

This township is not a single-threaded narrative but a mosaic of historical layers. Three distinctive phases of occupation have left their imprints on the landscape. The Late Bronze Age, spanning from the 15th to the 13th centuries BC, witnessed the inception of this settlement. It is here that the foundations of Tsaghkahovit were laid, offering a glimpse into life in that era. Subsequently, during the Yervandyan wealthy period, from the 6th to the 4th centuries AD, the township thrived anew. Then, the Middle Ages left their mark, lasting from the 5th to the 13th or 14th centuries. Each era has added to the tapestry of Tsaghkahovit, revealing different aspects of its historical significance.

The exploration of this remarkable site began in the late 19th century when Nikolay Mar first reported on the tombs within its vicinity. Subsequent investigations by pioneering archaeologists like Toros Toramanian and comprehensive studies conducted by B. Piotrovsky, A. Adjyan, and L. Gyuzalyan in 1931 provided a more in-depth understanding of the site. The 1990s saw test excavations and measurements conducted by K. Ghafadaryan. From 1998 to 2017, the ArAGATS program and an Armenian-American expedition led by Smith conducted extensive excavations and research, unearthing more secrets from the depths of time.

Tsaghkahovit’s monumental presence includes a castle perched on the hill’s crown, a settlement sprawling at the hill’s base, and a cemetery stretching over several kilometers around them. It is a unique testament to Armenia’s Late Bronze Age history, where the architectural remnants of a walled fortress stand alongside extensive residential areas. Founded in the 15th century BC, the top of the hill and its terraced slopes were fortified with walls. The fortress bore witness to the passage of time, and between the 14th and 13th centuries BC, it endured a catastrophic fire, leaving behind scorch marks that reveal its history.

Moreover, the surrounding region appears to have witnessed hostilities during this time, suggesting that Tsaghkahovit, too, might have been subject to a hostile attack. Following this dark chapter, between the 13th and 12th centuries BC, the castle and settlement were abandoned, a silent testament to the ebb and flow of history.

In the V century BC, a renaissance breathed new life into Tsaghkahovit. It was during this time that the settlement was repopulated, offering insights into the economic and social life of the region. The community’s dwellings, named Benjamin and Horom, provide glimpses into housing construction during the early period of Yervandunis.

Tsaghkahovit stands as a remarkable testament to the passage of time, where history’s layers coexist, waiting to be unearthed by those who seek to uncover the mysteries of the past. The township is not just an archaeological site; it is a living, breathing testament to the lives of those who once called this place home, offering us a window into the distant echoes of history.

FACTS: 

1. Tsaghkahovit is an ancient castle-settlement in Armenia’s Aragatsotn region.
2. It has a rich history spanning from the Late Bronze Age to the Middle Ages.
3. Archaeological investigations began in the late 19th century, and extensive excavations took place from 1998 to 2017.
4. The site consists of a castle, a settlement, and a cemetery, with a catastrophic fire in the 14th-13th centuries BC.
5. The V century BC saw a renaissance in the settlement.
6. Tsaghkahovit offers a window into the lives of its past inhabitants and the layers of history that have shaped it.