In the fall of 2024, a joint team of Polish and Armenian archaeologists resumed excavations at Davti Blur, an ancient site located in Nor Armavir, Armenia. This site, which in Armenian means “David’s Hill,” not only bears witness to the historical wealth of the Kingdom of Urartu but also offers a glimpse into the cultural and architectural remnants of a civilization that thrived in the South Caucasus thousands of years ago.

The project is led by Dr. Mateusz Iskra from the Mediterranean Archaeology Center at the University of Warsaw and Hasmik Simonyan from the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography of Armenia. This initiative marks the first Polish-led archaeological study in this region, which had previously only been explored by local researchers.

Davti Blur is part of the ancient settlement of Argisztihinili, founded in 774 BC. During the 8th and 7th centuries BC, this location was a critical administrative and economic center of the Kingdom of Urartu. Within this vast fortress city, notable structures include a well-preserved citadel and a residential district that, according to previous research, housed large dwellings belonging to the local elite.

Armenia Urartu fortress
Findings made in the fortress-city of the kingdom of Urartu. Credit: Matthew Iskra / Davti Blur Excavation

During recent work, the team uncovered remains of houses dating to the 6th century BC, during the decline of the Kingdom of Urartu. The walls of these houses, nearly 1.5 meters thick, were remarkably well-preserved. Moreover, excavations revealed fragments of floors belonging to two rooms, whose exact purposes remain undetermined.

One of the most surprising discoveries was a cemetery where bodies were cremated, and the ashes, along with bone fragments and elements of funerary goods, were placed in urns. These urns were covered with stamped ceramic plates and placed in niches carved into the rock, protected by a thin layer of soil.

Despite damage caused by looters and metal detectors, researchers managed to recover intact items, such as an urn covered with a decorated plate, which allowed for its preliminary dating to the first half of the 7th century BC. Numerous metal artifacts related to the attire of the deceased were also found.

Armenia Urartu fortress
Remains of houses from the 6th century BC found in the fortress city of the kingdom of Urartu. Credit: Matthew Iskra / Davti Blur Excavation

A team of geologists led by Professor Barbara Woronko identified traces of an ancient earthquake that left significant marks in the area. While the precise timing of this event remains unclear, it is believed to have had a devastating impact on the region.

On the other hand, contemporary human activity poses a critical challenge to the site’s preservation. The expansion of a modern cemetery, the accumulation of waste, and the looting of artifacts have jeopardized the integrity of the site. This underscores the urgent need to implement protective and conservation measures.

The team plans to continue excavations in May and June 2025, aiming to expand studies on the houses and gather more information about their use and abandonment. Additionally, efforts will focus on site conservation, damage documentation, and the creation of a comprehensive protection plan.

Simonyan emphasized that the long-term goal is to transform Davti Blur into an archaeological reserve open to tourism, accompanied by educational programs to raise awareness among the Armenian population about the importance of preserving their cultural heritage.

SOURCES

Ewelina Krajczyńska-Wujec (PAP), Armenia/ Pozostałości domów z VI w. p.n.e. i ślady trzęsienia ziemi odkryli polscy i armeńscy badacze

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