UNIQUE PLACES

782 BC - IV century BC

State index: 1.5.19

Builder: King of Van (Urartu) Argishti I (786-764 BC)

The ancient city of Erebuni is situated on the southeast side of Yerevan, between Nor Aresh and Vardashen districts, on the hill of Arin Berd “fortress” (height: 60 meters). For the first time

It had great strategic importance in strengthening the positions of the Kingdom of Van in the Ararat Valley and the northeastern regions of the Armenian Highlands, and was a major administrative and religious center. In the VII century BC, it gave way to the city of Teyshebaini - Karmir Blur (Red Hill) built not far away. In the V-IV centuries BC, Erebuni was an important settlement in the XVIII satrapy of Achaemenid Persia. It survived until the second half of IV century BC. The fortress, located within the city center and dating back to the VIII-VII centuries BC, stands as a testament to the ancient history of the region. This well-preserved structure, reaching a height of 5-6 meters, is constructed from basalt, tuff, and raw brick on Arin Fortress hill. Its architectural layout consists of three primary sections. courtly, religious, and economic. At the top of the hill, near the fortress’s entrance, a significant discovery was made in 1950. An inscription in cuneiform script, attributed to Argishti I, detailing the founding of Erebuni in 782 BC was uncovered. This inscription, consisting of thirteen lines, is meticulously carved into a beautifully crafted basalt stone measuring 69x38 cm.

The largest building within the fortress city of Erebuni is the grand palace constructed by Argishti I during the VIII to VII centuries BC. This impressive structure, spanning 60 by 80 meters, comprises two distinct sections: a ceremonial-ritual area and a residential and economic-storage area. It features expansive halls and two courtyards, around which rooms of various significance are arranged. Adjacent to the central courtyard lies a small rectangular palace dating back to the VIII century BC. Additionally, the temple dedicated to the god Khaldi, constructed between the VIII and VII centuries BC, is a rectangular edifice oriented with its northeast front facing the fortress’s center. The palace temple known as “Fire” temple, erected during the Yervanduni (Orontid dinasty) period in the V to IV centuries BC, is situated in the northern corner of the central courtyard, although only its foundations remain intact. Within one of the wings of the grand palace stands the temple of “Susi,” originating from the VIII century BC, which was later reconstructed and incorporated into the temple of “Fire.”

Surrounding the fortress is the residential or urban district from the VIII century BC, spanning approximately 200 hectares. Excavations have revealed remnants of houses consisting of multiple residential and commercial rooms scattered throughout the fortress. Noteworthy discoveries include fragments of pottery characteristic of the Van Kingdom. Of particular interest is the treasure of silver horn vessels unearthed in 1968 to the west of the fortress, dating back to the V to IV centuries BC.

In October 1968, as part of the celebration of the 2750th anniversary of the founding of Yerevan, the “Erebuni” museum (now the “Erebuni” historical and archaeological reserve-museum) was inaugurated at the western foot of the Arin Fortress hill. The museum, designed by architects Shmavon Azatyan and Baghdasar Arzumanyan, is a two-story structure measuring 24 by 27,05 meters, featuring a rectangular plan and architectural elements reminiscent of the Van Kingdom period. It showcases archaeological finds from Erebuni, Shengavit, and Teyshebaini. The building’s four façades are adorned with bas-reliefs created by sculptor Ara Harutyunyan, depicting the history, worship, and culture of the Urartian state. The main façade prominently features a bust of King Argishti, flanked by depictions of archers and builders. Other façades are embellished with representations of the primary deity Khaldi and hunting scenes, among other subjects.

“Scientific Research Center of Historical and Cultural of Heritage” SNCO

Yerevan Municipality