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  Archaeologist Hakob Simonyan presented the exceptional results of the excavations carried out in the historic site of Aghdzk, near Byurakan, during which relics of Armenian kings were found. According to Simonyan, the findings were bones and relics that belonged to the Artaxiad and Arsacid kings, which were found not in the tomb, but under the pavement of the church.   

Hakob Simonyan added that the excavations and surveys revealed three sealed stone chests in front of the altar. Even the cross was preserved on one of them. Both chests included human bones. According to the archaeologist, the bones that lies there, apparently, were cleaned from the soft tissues before putting them into the chests. H. Simonyan stated that if the discovered bone remains contained preserved organic materials, it would have been possible to be implemented in DNA research.
H. Simonyan also mentioned that the 3rd chest is not opened yet. The archaeologists want to open it in the presence of senior officials and journalists. According to the initial plan the excavations will continue for another year, until the final analysis is prepared.
We should mention that the ideological supporter of the excavations is the National Assembly Deligate, Aragats Akhoyan. According to the latest, it is the only tomb of the kings whose place is known for many people, and it should be preserved and inherited to the upcoming generations. Today, the Aghdzk area is included in the programs of tourism companies; the number of the visitors exceeds 500.   
Last but not least, in 2002, the historical and cultural monuments’ list of historic Aghdzk community consisted 14 monuments, including; the architectural complex of Aghdzk that dates back to the 4th century, the royal mausoleum of Artaxiad kings that dates to 364, a 4th century church remains, a mausoleum and a tomb from the 2nd and 1st centuries and so on.

 

 


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