Archaeologists have discovered in Armenia an ancient water supply system with almost two thousand years of history.
As the director of the Institute of Archeology and Ethnography of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia Pavel Avetisyan said at a press conference on January 14, not far from the ancient monastery of Khor Virap, the foundations of an aqueduct (a conduit for supplying water from sources located above them) were found. In total, within the framework of the Armenian-German program, 20 foundations were found, located at a length of one kilometer. According to experts, they date back to 114-117. AD, and give a new understanding of the water supply system of ancient Artashat.
Avetisyan did not rule out the possibility that the aqueduct served to supply water from the Garni River. According to him, research will be continued this year.
In addition to the aqueduct, archaeologists will have to study another major find: geomagnetic studies have revealed the surviving foundations of large palace buildings in the vicinity of modern Artashat, near the 13th hill. All of them are located on the territory of privatized land, which means that for excavation it will be necessary to come to an agreement with the owners. Avetisyan expressed hope that this process will begin this year. According to him, the excavations will allow the scientific community to present the ancient Artashat in a completely new way.
The city of Artashat has a rich history. The settlement on the territory of ancient Artashat existed even in the times of Urartu. In 190-189 BC. NS. the independence of Great Armenia from the Seleucids was proclaimed, its first king was Artashes I, who later founded Artashat (means). The Romans considered Artashat to be Armenian Carthage.
