The Urartian Heritage of Yerevan

Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It holds the rare distinction of having a “passport” in the form of a cuneiform inscription, more than 2,800 years old, marking the foundation of the city - making it one of the few capitals in the world with such ancient documentation. The city is beautifully framed by the biblical Mount Ararat, revered by Armenians, as well as the towering peaks of Mount Aragats and Mount Ara, both steeped in myth and legend. Together, these natural landmarks form the backdrop of the Ararat Valley - a region of immense cultural and historical significance.

Yerevan’s deep history began long before its urbanization. The surrounding region has been inhabited since prehistoric times, evidenced by the Palaeolithic caves (e.g. Yerevan - 1), where discoveries of human activity dating back more than 70,000 years have been made. Archaeological investigations also indicate that urbanization began in the area around 5,000 years ago, as seen in the remains found at the Mukhanattapa and Shengavit archaeological sites. During this time, the region was home to the flourishing Kura-Araxes culture (3500-2500 BC), a highly developed civilization whose influence spread across the Armenian Highlands and into neighboring regions - northward to Dagestan, and southward to Israel and Palestine.

The territory surrounding Yerevan continued to play a vital role through the Bronze and Iron Ages. The Karmir Blur site and the fortress chain of Tsitsernakaberd, Dzoraberd, and Karmir Berd along the Hrazdan River gorge provide evidence of settlements during the Late Bronze to Early Iron Age (16th/15th-9th centuries BC). These fortresses were strategically placed to enable quick communication through bonfires during times of danger. During the Iron Age, the region saw the rise of two powerful political entities: the Etiuni confederation, which controlled much of the land that makes up modern-day Armenia, and Urartu, a powerful kingdom located between lakes Van and Urmia in the south. The Assyrians referred to the country as Urartu, but the local population called it Biainili, a term that appears in the Bible as the land of Ararat.

The Etiuni confederation, led by kings such as Diutsini, "born of divinity," was a major force in the region. However, the rise of Urartu (Kingdom of Van, Biainili, Ararat), under the reign of King Argishti I (circa 785/780-756 BC), marked a transformative period in the region’s history. Argishti was a formidable ruler who expanded Urartu’s borders, defeating even the mighty Assyrian Empire. His reign saw Urartu emerge as a major power, with Tushpa (modern-day Van) as its capital. During this time, Argishti turned his attention to the Ararat Valley, vital both for its fertility and strategic location. In Urartian cuneiform inscriptions, the valley is referred to as "Vaza", believed to be derived from the Armenian word for "grapevine".

Around the fifth year of his reign, Argishti conquered the Ararat Valley, an event commemorated in his inscription at the Tushpa cliffs. This inscription, found in a copy at St. Sahak Church in Van, records the founding of the city of Erebuni (modern-day Yerevan) and the settlement of 6,600 prisoners of war from the lands of Khaté and Tsupani. The foundation of Erebuni and its subsequent growth into a thriving city reflects the long-standing historical, political, and cultural significance of Yerevan.

The Urartian Heritage of Yerevan

The Urartian Heritage of Yerevan includes prominent archaeological sites such as Erebuni, Karmir Blur, and the Biainian Tomb, each offering unique insights into the Urartian civilization. These sites collectively reflect the socio-political, cultural, and architectural achievements of the Urartian Kingdom during the 8th to 6th centuries BC.

The Archaeological Site of Erebuni

The archaeological site of Erebuni, located on the southeastern outskirts of Yerevan, between the quarters of Vardashen and Nor Aresh, holds a central place in the history of Armenia and the broader ancient Near East. It represents a fortress-city, founded by Argishti I (circa 785/780–756 BC), one of the most powerful kings of the Urartian Kingdom. M. Salvini, W. Kuntner, S. Heinsch and other outstanding urartologists underline in their works that the name of Yerevan derives from Erebuni. Therefore, the discovery of Urartian cuneiform inscriptions at the site, which detail the establishment of the fortress-city, marks an extraordinary historical milestone - making these inscriptions the "birth certificate" of Yerevan.

The Natural Setting: The fortress crowns Arin Berd Hill on the northeastern edge of the Ararat Valley, rising about 60 meters above the valley floor at an elevation of 1,070 meters above sea level. Spanning roughly 15 hectares, the site offers a commanding view of the landscape and remains largely untouched by modern development, preserving its natural and cultural history.

The hill's geology reflects a rich interplay of volcanic and human activity. Resting on a tuff base formed by volcanic eruptions from Mount Aragats 1.5 - 0.5 million years ago, the site features a stratigraphy of four main units. Upper Quaternary floodplain deposits overlay Middle Quaternary ignimbrites, with distinct blackish and reddish layers extensively used in the fortress's construction. Beneath the tuff are carbonate-terrigenous deposits from the Upper Eocene - Lower Oligocene, separated by a volcanic ash layer marking episodic eruptions. Tectonic activity along faults such as Garni and Yerevan has created seismic deformations, contributing to geomorphological hazards like landslides and badland formations in the Jrvezh River basin.

Erebuni also lies in a transitional zone between semi-desert and mountain-steppe ecosystems, hosting diverse native flora. Plants like Potentilla orientalis (Eastern Cinquefoil), Achillea millefolium (Common Yarrow), Capparis spinosa (Thorny Caper), and wild ancestors of cultivated crops such as Triticum urartu enrich its ecological and cultural heritage. Resilient species like Heliotropium europaeum (European Heliotrope) and Rosa sp. (Wild Rose) thrive in the arid environment, highlighting the site's biodiversity and enduring ecological significance.

The Archaeological Setting: The first investigations at Erebuni began in the 1890s through the efforts of Russian scholars A. Ivanovskij and M. Nikolskij. However, systematic excavations only commenced in 1950, led by Armenian and Russian archaeological expeditions. During the initial year of excavations, the team uncovered an Urartian cuneiform inscription, and later additional inscriptions, all of which chronicled the construction of the city. These inscriptions provide invaluable insight into the urbanization efforts of Argishti I and his vision for Erebuni as a stronghold in the heart of the Urartian Kingdom.

Erebuni’s layout reflects its multifaceted function as a religious, administrative, and residential center. The religious core of the site centered on a temple dedicated to Haldi, the supreme god of Urartu, which became the most important structure in the city. Adjacent to the religious complex was the temple of Iubsha (sometimes interpreted as Iuarsha), dedicated to a lesser god, located in the residential area. The economic zone of the settlement was marked by large halls and pithoi used for storage, signifying the city's role as an important administrative and trade center in the region.

In total, 23 stone inscriptions have been discovered at Erebuni, which offer direct evidence of the establishment of the fortress, its surrounding structures, and the expansion of the Urartian kingdom under Argishti I, his successor Sarduri II, and Rusa, the son of Erimena. These inscriptions mention the construction of essential structures such as granaries, the palace, and other monumental buildings. Excavations have also unearthed weapons, seals, and other valuable artifacts, contributing to our understanding of the city’s military and administrative functions. Among the remarkable discoveries are fragments of frescoes that feature religious, geometric, and other motifs, providing a rare glimpse into the art and culture of Urartu.

One of the most important discoveries at Erebuni is the oldest known Urartian street, located adjacent to the Haldi temple complex. This street, paved with pebble stones, sheds light on the advanced urban planning and engineering skills of the Urartians. In recent years, excavations conducted by Armenian, Armenian-American, and Armenian-French expeditions have uncovered previously unknown structures and layers, refining our understanding of the site and updating Soviet-period dating and interpretations.

Erebuni’s significance extends beyond the Urartian period. It continued to be inhabited in post-Urartian and Yervanduni (Orontid) times, as evidenced by the columned hall with thirty columns, which likely dates to the end of the 7th century or the first half of the 6th century BC. Some scholars believe that Erebuni may have served as the administrative center of the 18th satrapy of the Achaemenid Empire. The silver rhyta from the Achaemenid period, discovered accidentally in the Vardashen quarter, are regarded as invaluable treasures of ancient Armenian art and hold significant importance within the artistic heritage of the Ancient Near East. Coinage from the 5th–4th centuries BC., including Milletian coins and a coin of the Roman Emperor Augustus, further demonstrates the continuity of settlement in the area into at least the first century BC.

Erebuni also stands out for its advanced water supply system, considered one of the earliest examples of such technology in the region. The discovery of fixed water systems, including what may be a form of qanat, reveals the highly developed engineering knowledge of the Urartians. These water systems were likely constructed during the initial phases of fortress planning and were possibly used for both drainage and water supply purposes. Remarkably, elements of this sophisticated water management system appear to have influenced later Armenian medieval traditions.

Moreover, Erebuni provides significant insight into the daily lives of the region's inhabitants, including the middle class. Structures uncovered on the hill to the northeast of the fortress have yielded artifacts that help reconstruct the domestic life and material culture of the people who lived in and around the city. Notably, the site has produced a large number of Urartian and post-Urartian frescoes, the highest concentration found at any single archaeological site in the region. These frescoes, depicting religious themes, daily life, and local fauna, are invaluable to understanding the ancient culture of the Urartians and their successors.

To preserve and share these findings, the Erebuni Museum was founded in 1968, not far from the archaeological site. Today, it serves as a key educational, scientific, and cultural center in Armenia. The museum has collaborated with prominent institutions such as the Louvre and the British Museum, further enhancing its status as a major repository for the study of Urartian culture.

The Archaeological Site of Karmir Blur

The archaeological site of Karmir Blur is situated on the northwestern outskirts of Yerevan, on the left bank of the Hrazdan River. It comprises a fortress, an outer town, and a necropolis. The site was established in the first half of the 7th century BC by Rusa II (c. 685–645 BC), the last powerful monarch of the Urartian Kingdom, who designated it as the northern center of his empire. Its name, Karmir Blur (meaning "Red Hill"), originates from the reddish earth covering the hill - a consequence of the burning of mud-brick superstructures during an attack. Today, Karmir Blur is part of the Erebuni Historical-Archaeological Museum Reserve, which operates under the administration of Yerevan Municipality.

The Natural Setting: The Karmir Blur Fortress stands on a hill by the left edge of the Hrazdan River gorge, 927 meters above sea level. It rises 15–20 meters above the plain to the west and south and about 50 meters above the gorge floor to the north and east, covering a width of around 150 meters. Farther downstream, the gorge widens into a valley and eventually becomes a river plain.

The site’s geology is shaped by Neogene-Quaternary volcanic activity and sedimentary deposits from the Paleo-Hrazdan River. Doleritic basalt lava flows from the Upper Pliocene form the foundation of the fortress hill, overlaid by lacustrine and alluvial deposits from the Ararat Formation (Lower to Middle Pleistocene). Middle Pleistocene gravels, sands, and clays from the Paleo-Hrazdan Charbakh Terrace cover these deposits, while Upper Pleistocene basaltic-andesitic flows appear on both sides of the gorge. The floodplain consists of Holocene alluvial deposits.

Seismic hazards are significant due to the Garni and Yerevan faults, with potential earthquake magnitudes of 9–10 on the Richter scale. The arid, steep terrain is prone to erosion, creating gullies and sediment build-up at the slopes' base. Soviet-era disturbances have further impacted the upper sedimentary layers.

The fortress's flora reflects its semi-desert environment. Key species include Achillea millefolium (Common Yarrow), Capparis spinosa (Thorny Caper), and Chenopodium album (Common Lamb’s Quarters), alongside Salsola dendroides (Dendroid Saltwort) and Peganum harmala (Syrian Rue). Lichens like Protoparmeliopsis muralis and Xanthoria sorediata thrive in these dry conditions. The vegetation, a mix of native and ruderal plants, underscores the site’s resilience to natural and human disturbances.

The Archaeological Setting: Systematic excavations at the site began in 1939 and, with some interruptions (1941-1945), continued until 1971. The excavations are particularly associated with the prominent Soviet archaeologist Boris Piotrovsky, former director of the Hermitage Museum.

The fortress occupies nearly 4 hectares. Excavations have revealed that the fortress was a monumental two-story complex. The upper floor housed administrative structures, including a temple dedicated to the Urartian supreme god Haldi (Ha-al-di,). The lower floor contained approximately 150 rooms, which were used as cellars and granaries, and were equipped with Urartian pithoi. The discovery of a bronze door bolt inscribed with a Urartian text identified the city as Teishebaini, named in honor of the weather god Teisheba, a key figure in the Urartian pantheon. Additionally, a bronze figurine of Teisheba was uncovered.

To the southwest of the fortress, excavations revealed the outer town of the settlement. Findings indicated that at least a portion of the outer town was constructed atop the foundations of a pre-Urartian settlement. The necropolis is located to the southeast of the outer town, where hundreds of burials were uncovered during the 2013-2016 excavation seasons.

Research at Karmir Blur offers significant insights not only into Urartian history but also into the broader context of Ancient Near Eastern archaeology. Excavations unearthed a wealth of structures and artifacts, including storage rooms with pithoi, stone inscriptions, cuneiform clay tablets, metal objects, beer vessels, burnt cores, textiles, and thousands of Urartian jars. The well-preserved mud-brick walls, standing to impressive heights, are a rarity in Armenia.

Karmir Blur is also known for the largest collection of Urartian-period artifacts found in the Caucasus. Among the most notable discoveries are the numerous wine and bread cellars within the fortress, which are unique to the region. These findings provide evidence of the well-developed winemaking traditions in ancient Yerevan. The oldest example of Urartian bread, an oval-shaped loaf with a hole in the center, was also found at the site. This type of bread is still popular in Armenia today.

The inhabitants of Karmir Blur consumed beer from long, deep vessels, drinking through reeds. This practice is notably mentioned by the Greek historian Xenophon, who described the use of reeds to drink barley wine about 2,500 years ago. Furthermore, King Rusa II constructed the Umeshini Canal, which extended to the vicinity of Etchmiadzin, the spiritual center of the Armenians. This canal played a crucial role in advancing agriculture, viticulture, and animal husbandry in the region.

Karmir Blur is also significant for the discovery of the largest number of Urartian clay cuneiform tablets. In the years 2021-2024, the Armenian-Austrian archaeological expedition uncovered a monumental structure in the southeastern part of the fortress near the main entrance, which bears strong resemblance to Armenian medieval caravanserais. Additionally, at the highest point of the fortress, a Christian chapel was built on the site of the Urartian temple during the 12th-13th centuries.

Artifacts from Karmir Blur span a broad temporal range, from the middle of the 3rd millennium BC to the 17th-18th centuries AD. This site is unique in the region for having structures and layers from the pre-Urartian, Urartian, and post-Urartian periods. Around 300 tombs, dating from the 13th-12th centuries BC to the Hellenistic period (3rd-2nd centuries BC), have been excavated. These burials provide valuable insights into the continuity of life at Karmir Blur and contribute significantly to our understanding of Urartian  burial rites and the residents' perceptions of the afterlife.

The Biainian Tomb of Yerevan

The Biainian Tomb of Yerevan is the only known monumental Urartian tomb in the Caucasus region. It is located near Arshakunyats Avenue in Yerevan, the capital of the Republic of Armenia.

The tomb was discovered in 1984 during construction work. This underground, rectangular tomb dates to the 8th century BC, measuring 3.46 meters in length, 1.97 meters in width, and 2.15 meters in height, with its orientation aligned from north to south. The floor is lined with meticulously carved slabs of black, red, and dark brown tufa, beneath which the burial caches are located. The tomb has five niches, three of which are integrated into the western wall and situated 0.44 meters above the floor (each niche measuring 0.5x0.5 meters). A similar niche is found on the southern wall, while the eastern niche is larger, with its upper portion constructed from a single beam of tufa that bears part of the weight of the chamber's stone slabs. The walls of the tomb consist of five rows of well-carved tufa stones, and the tomb itself is covered with five large slabs. The entrance to the chamber tomb, measuring 1.29 meters in height, 0.75 meters in width, and 0.54 meters in depth, is located on the north side of the structure and was sealed from the outside with a large slab.

Excavations of the tomb were conducted by the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography of the Academy of Sciences of the Armenian SSR, along with the archaeological team from the "Erebuni" Museum.

Burial Ritual: The inscription on the "Door of Mher," which reflects the pantheon of Urartu (Kingdom of Van, Biainili, Ararat), mentions a "deity who transports souls," suggesting beliefs in the transfer of souls to the underworld following death during the Urartian period. The burial practices of the Biainian period were closely related to these beliefs about death. In the Kingdom of Van, three main burial rituals were observed: burial, cremation, and dismemberment, each with various variants. Kings and nobles were typically buried in rock-cut tombs or multi-compartment tombs, often with a dromos (an entrance passage). Additionally, pithoi burials containing dismembered remains of the deceased have been discovered at Urartian monuments. Cremation jars found at several ancient sites of the Kingdom of Van further attest to the ritual of cremation, which persisted in the Armenian Highlands even prior to the Urartian period.

Script: Alongside the cuneiform script, the Kingdom of Urartu also utilized the hieroglyphic script known as “Mehenagir”. Notably, a single line of this script is preserved on the left side of the entrance to the Biainian Tomb of Yerevan. During research conducted at the tomb and its surroundings, two additional stone fragments with similar inscriptions were found. One fragment appears to bear a two-line inscription. Of particular significance is the discovery that two letter marks from the second line correspond to the medieval Armenian letters "ch" and "g" This suggests that many symbols in the Urartian hieroglyphic script were later incorporated into medieval Armenian writing. However, the scripts on the fragments from the Biainian Tomb differ from the typical Urartian hieroglyphic form, with a combination of lines and dots resembling a script seen on a clay tablet discovered at the Urartian fortress of Rusahinili (Toprakkale).

Belts: Among the most notable items found in the Biainian Tomb of Yerevan are three belts, all of which were discovered in fragmented form. One belt is adorned with geometric patterns, while a second belt features depictions of semi-mythical creatures, an animal battle, and other scenes. The third belt is particularly significant, as it portrays scenes of lion and bull hunting by both charioteers and horsemen. This motif is common in Urartian iconography, where hunting a lion or bull symbolized victory over enemies or chaotic forces. The figure of the hero-king, embodying the power of the state, plays a central role in these representations.

Other Metal Artifacts: A diverse collection of metal artifacts was unearthed from the tomb, with weapons forming a distinct group. These include an iron sword (0.90 meters in length), three daggers, leaf-shaped spearheads, and almond-shaped arrowheads. Also discovered were downward-tapering quivers (0.55 meters in length), with binary rings affixed to the belt. Among the other finds were numerous horse equipment parts, including bridles, trappings, buckles, bells, and a forehead piece with horizontal and vertical convex lines. Two bronze bells were found, one decorated with five horizontal convex lines and four rectangular holes, with a ring attached to the top and an iron clapper inside; the second bell was unadorned, with smooth transitions along its waist. A further group of bronze items includes a bucket with an upward-expanding body, a round flaring-waisted bowl decorated with three rows of petal rosettes, and tripod pedestals.

Jewelry and Seal: The jewelry found in the Biainian Tomb of Yerevan includes bronze and semi-precious stone items. Notable among these is a bronze fibula adorned with sculptures of four ram heads, and a cylindrical protrusion decorated with two and three rows of convex lines. Also discovered were eight snake-head bracelets, as well as twelve round and twenty-eight barrel-shaped agate beads, accompanied by three disc-shaped bead-splitters. Fragments of pendants were also found.

One of the most remarkable items is a weight-shaped seal made of nightstone, featuring a pendant. The seal's lower part depicts a bird engaged in a struggle with a snake, symbolizing the cosmic battle between the forces of good and evil.

Erebuni and Karmir Blur in the Context of Post-Urartian Heritage of Armenia

After the fall of the Urartian Kingdom, the traditions associated with the Etiunian or Lchashen-Metsamor culture continued across much of Armenia. This period saw the widespread use of various types of pottery, particularly those with brown surfaces, though Urartian red-polished pottery persisted. In addition, architectural traditions from both Urartian and Etiunian cultures began to show signs of synchronization.

An interesting mention of Armenia appears on a Babylonian map dating to around 600 BC, which is considered the oldest known map of the world. Here, Armenia is referred to as Urashtu, likely referring to the kingdom of the Yervanduni dynasty, which emerged following the fall of Urartu.

Recent excavations at the Erebuni fortress, carried out by Armenian-American and Armenian-French joint teams, provide significant insight into this transitional period. The columned hall of Erebuni, once thought to have been constructed during the Achaemenid period, was instead built between the collapse of the Urartian Kingdom and the founding of the Achaemenid Empire. The architectural design of this hall bears striking similarities to the columned hall at Godin Tepe, a site in western Iran often associated with the Median period. Additionally, certain pottery types, such as two-handled tankards found at Erebuni, resemble those discovered in Median sites, further linking the fortress to this cultural sphere.

Historian Movses Khorenatsi, writing in the 5th century AD, provides a valuable historical context for this period. He recounts the coronation of Armenian king Paruyr by Median king Varbakes after the fall of Nineveh in 612 BC. Khorenatsi also describes the interactions and conflicts between Armenian king Tigranes (Tigran) and Median king Astyages. These historical narratives are likely reflected in the archaeological findings at Erebuni, particularly the columned hall, which sheds light on the relationship between Armenia and Media during the post-Urartian period (late 7th to early 6th century BC).

The existence of an Armenian kingdom during this time is supported not only by Khorenatsi's accounts but also by the writings of the Greek historian Xenophon and the reinterpretation of the Babylonian Chronicle. According to this revised text, Cyrus the Great of Persia marched to Urashtu (the Babylonian name for Urartu) in 547 BC, possibly referring to the Armenian kingdom. Additionally, the Babylonian version of Darius I's Behistun Inscription from 522 BC mentions Armenia as Urashtu, while the Old Persian and the Elamite versions render it as Armina and Harminuya, respectively. Darius's five military campaigns against the Armenians reflect the presence of a strong and centralized Armenian political and military power, providing crucial evidence for the history of ancient Armenia.

Archaeologist David Stronach suggests that the practice of referring to Armenia as Urartu, as seen in Darius I's inscription, likely dates back to Cyrus's campaign in 547 BC. By the time of Darius I, Armenia had become a satrapy of the Achaemenid Empire, marking a significant shift in the region’s political landscape.

The discovery of silver rhyta at the Erebuni fortress provides further evidence of the cultural and political connections between Armenia and the broader ancient world. These rhytons, dating to the Achaemenid period, are among the most luxurious artifacts found in Armenia and reflect both Achaemenid and Greek influences. In addition to these rhytons, two Miletian silver coins and fragments of antique temple models found at Erebuni further demonstrate the fortress’s ties to the Greek and Achaemenid worlds.

The Greek historian Xenophon, in his works Cyropedia and Anabasis, frequently mentions Armenia and its kings. In Anabasis, he describes Armenia as a "great and wealthy land", emphasizing the prominence and wealth of the Armenian kingdom during this period.

The archaeological evidence from Erebuni, alongside ancient historical records, paints a picture of Armenia’s dynamic role in the post-Urartian period. These findings illuminate the continuation of Urartian traditions, the establishment of new cultural and political identities, and the complex interactions between Armenia, Media, and Persia during a critical phase of ancient Armenian history.

The Urartian Heritage of Yerevan, represented by the archaeological sites of Erebuni, Karmir Blur, and the Biainian Tomb, holds an outstanding universal value due to its exceptional contribution to understanding the ancient Urartian civilization, which was one of the most sophisticated and advanced cultures in the ancient Near East. These sites offer a glimpse into the urban, religious, military, and cultural practices of the Urartians.

The archaeological site of Erebuni, founded by King Argishti I in the 8th century BC, is of unparalleled significance, not only as the birthplace of modern Yerevan but also as a monument to early urbanization and state-building. The discovery of the Urartian cuneiform inscriptions at Erebuni documenting the city’s foundation gives the city a historical “birth certificate,” making it one of the few cities in the world with such documented origins. These inscriptions are invaluable for understanding the political, military, and administrative organization of the Urartian Kingdom. The layout of Erebuni, including its street design, monumental buildings, and sacred temples, illustrates the advanced urban planning and architectural ingenuity of the Urartian culture.

Similarly, Karmir Blur, provides a remarkable example of a fortress-city that reflects both the military strength and economic prosperity of the Urartian civilization. The extensive archaeological findings at Karmir Blur, including the remains of a two-story fortress, a large necropolis, and numerous artifacts, further our understanding of Urartian society, from its complex social structures to its technological and artistic achievements.

The Biainian Tomb is particularly important as the only known monumental Urartian tomb in the Caucasus, providing insights into Urartian burial practices and their beliefs about the afterlife. The discovery of inscriptions and symbolic artifacts within the tomb illuminates the religious practices and cosmological beliefs of the time.

Together, these sites provide a comprehensive view of the political, economic, and cultural dynamics of an ancient society that influenced the development of the broader region. Furthermore, the continuity of Urartian traditions, as seen in the post-Urartian periods and their integration into later Armenian cultural and historical developments, underscores the enduring legacy of the Urartian civilization.

Criterion (ii): The Urartian heritage of Yerevan exemplifies significant interchange of human values through its integration of advanced urban planning, monumental architecture, and artistic achievements. The design of Erebuni’s fortress-city, with its well-planned fortifications, religious and administrative complexes, and advanced drainage systems, reflects innovations that were instrumental in shaping the cultural landscape of the ancient Near East. These features not only highlight the technological and logistical expertise of Urartu, but also demonstrate how these advancements influenced the development of subsequent architectural traditions in the region.

The artistic achievements of the Urartians, particularly the frescoes discovered at Erebuni, represent one of the most significant concentrations of wall paintings from this period in the Caucasus. The vivid scenes, combining geometric and symbolic designs, demonstrate the Urartians’ cultural exchange with neighboring regions, reflecting shared traditions and localized adaptations.

Criterion (iii): The Urartian heritage of Yerevan provides a unique and exceptional testimony to the advanced urban, administrative, and cultural traditions of the Urartian civilization, one of the most influential cultures of the ancient Near East. Erebuni and Karmir Blur, with their well-preserved fortresses, administrative structures, and residential areas, exemplify the complex social, political, and economic systems of the Urartians. The extensive collection of cuneiform inscriptions discovered at these sites, the largest in the region, provides unparalleled insights into the administrative, educational, and communication systems of this society. These inscriptions offer a direct connection to the intellectual and organizational sophistication of the Urartians, shedding light on their governance and cultural identity.

The Biainian Tomb, as the only known monumental Urartian tomb in the Caucasus, stands as a unique testament to the burial traditions and spiritual beliefs of the Urartian elite. Its construction, coupled with symbolic artifacts, provides rare evidence of Urartian funerary customs and their cosmological worldview. These sites, combined with their influence on post-Urartian architecture and engineering, underscore the lasting impact of Urartian innovations, which shaped the trajectory of regional history long after the kingdom's decline.

Criterion (iv): The Urartian heritage of Yerevan, represented by the fortresses of Erebuni and Karmir Blur, exemplifies a significant stage in human history through its urban planning, architectural design, and integration of fortified complexes. The layout of Erebuni, with its advanced water management systems, religious centers, and administrative structures, reflects the innovative approaches of the Urartian civilization to urban planning. The discovery of the paved street at Erebuni further illustrates the sophistication of Urartian urban planning, showcasing their advanced knowledge of infrastructure and organization.

Similarly, Karmir Blur demonstrates a well-organized fortification, residential areas, and storage facilities, underscoring the architectural ingenuity of King Rusa II's period. These sites provide exceptional evidence of how urban and defensive architecture evolved in the ancient Near East, leaving a lasting legacy in the cultural history of the region. The integration of these elements within the broader landscape highlights the Urartians’ exceptional ability to harmonize functional, aesthetic, and strategic considerations in their settlements.

Authenticity

The Erebuni Fortress maintains its authenticity through the preservation of critical features such as the Temple of Haldi (Ha-al-di), Urartian streets and dwellings. The original frescoes and urban layout reflect the religious, administrative, and residential significance of the site. The excavations and careful 20th-century reconstructions, including work on the Susi temple and fortification walls, adhered closely to historical evidence, preserving the fortress’s authentic representation of Urartian culture.

The Teishebaini fortress at Karmir Blur preserves original Urartian architectural features, including stone and mud-brick walls, granaries, and storage structures. The site’s layout, fortified design, and significant artifacts - such as Urartian jars, cuneiform tablets, figurines, and the bronze door bolt inscribed with the name of the city - demonstrate its authentic origins and belonging to the Urartian culture. The original features remain well-preserved and are supported by archaeological evidence from systematic excavations.

The Biainian Tomb of Yerevan is a rare and almost entirely intact Urartian burial structure. Its original design - featuring meticulously carved tufa slabs, burial niches, and decorative artifacts - remains authentic. Key discoveries, including bronze weapons, jewelry, and belts adorned with geometric and symbolic motifs, reinforce the tomb’s authenticity. Although minor repairs, such as replacing damaged roof slabs with identical materials, have been undertaken, these were performed with sensitivity to the tomb's original character.

Integrity

The Erebuni Fortress retains the core elements that define its historical and cultural significance. Key structures, including the fortifications, Temple of Haldi, and storage areas, remain intact. Although quarrying activities in the early 20th century damaged parts of the southern walls, reconstructions have stabilized the site. The fortress continues to represent Urartian urban planning and culture, with its layout and architectural features largely preserved.

The Karmir Blur archaeological site maintains its integrity as one of Armenia’s most well-preserved historical locations. Key features, including the fortification walls and outer town structures, have been preserved, effectively reflecting the site's historical functions and significance. The overall spatial organization of the site remains intact, ensuring its continued ability to convey its historical and cultural importance.

The integrity of the Biainian Tomb is upheld by the near-complete preservation of its structural and decorative elements. The tomb’s original layout, burial niches, and carved tufa construction are intact, while protective measures such as the addition of a tufa shelter and site improvements in 2015 ensure its continued preservation. These interventions have enhanced the tomb's protection without compromising its historical coherence.

Erebuni and Karmir Blur archaeological sites are central to the Erebuni Historical and Archaeological Museum-Reserve. Renamed by Government Decree No. 313-N on March 7, 2003, the museum-reserve was also granted administrative oversight of the Karmir Blur and Shengavit archaeological sites. Today, it stands as the only publicly accessible archaeological reserve-museum in Yerevan and serves as a major center for Urartian culture in the region.

The museum operates as a cohesive complex alongside the Erebuni Fortress, offering a range of comprehensive educational programs at both Erebuni and Karmir Blur. These initiatives, held annually, strengthen connections with local communities and attract significant interest from visitors. Programs such as experimental archaeology, Urartian archery, artifact restoration, and lessons in the Urartian cuneiform system are particularly popular among both local residents and international tourists.

One of the museum's standout initiatives is the Young Archaeologists School, which has been providing free theoretical and practical archaeology training to schoolchildren for two months every year for the past 13 years. Each year, approximately 3,000 young participants benefit from this program, making it one of the most impactful and successful museum-led educational endeavors in Armenia’s recent history. Public archaeology is also a key focus at Erebuni and Karmir Blur. Hundreds of volunteers have participated in excavations led by Armenian-French and Armenian-Austrian archaeological teams, further enhancing public engagement with the sites and their history.

In 2004, by Government Decree No. 1616-N, the Erebuni Fortress, Karmir Blur, and Biainian Tomb were designated as monuments of national significance and assigned preservation zones and permament staff,  underscoring their importance to Armenia's historical and cultural heritage.