OBSERVATIONS OF THE ARMENIAN-AMERICAN JOINT EXPEDITION OF SHENGAVIT
The Armenian-American joint expedition focused the excavations mainly in the north-western part of the settlement, which was numbered as Site 2 in the 2000-2003 excavation period. The former 5x5m squares were enlarged up to 10x10m. The entire territory of the preserved part of the monument was included into a united net of squares. In 2009-2010 and 2012 excavations were performed in squares J:5, K:6, L:3, L:4, K:3, K:4, M:5 and I:14. In 2010 excavations were also carried out in the Necropolis named as Site 3.
In the result of the excavations of 2012 unique architectural forms and stratigraphic horizons were unearthed. In square K:6 at the depth of 3.25 m from the surface the sterile soil opened. Now as a result of it there is a new, clear stratigraphic picture of Shengavit, which suggests reviewing of the former notions. It is certain that cultural layers with the depth of three and a half meters contain at least 6-7 structural horizons here. As it was suggested before, according to Y. Bayburtyan there were 3, to S. Sardaryan and to H. Martirosyan 4 and in the author’s opinion at least 5 building periods in Shengavit. New observations not only proofread our views, but confirm the rapid, unceasing activities and lasting inhabitation of the city. In the northern side of the township we opened a section of a stone-laid city wall. Before, it was dug and published by S. Sardaryan. Many archaeologists who were present at the latter’s excavations accepted this fact undoubtedly, though several modern archaeologists argued upon the fact of the existence of a wall, particularly the defensive system in Shengavit in the Early Bronze Age. Recent excavations have proved there were really city walls. In order to protect their lives and possessions the ancient Shengavitians had built strong walls, which were ideal for that period, as they consisted of stone-laid walls, strengthened with rectangular towers, with a secret tunnel to the river Hrazdan. These components of the defensive system of the ancient Armenian fortification-building were typical to the later period as well, including the Middle Ages. Among the discoveries of the 2012 excavations the multi-room construction for cult rituals discovered in M:5 stands apart for its architectural forms
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