Metsamor Kur-Araksian settlement in Armenia
The Cyclops walls of an advanced culture in the Armenian highlands one of the world's earliest major metallurgical centers are of archaeological significance in the early Iron Age 11th-9th centuries BC. As an important metallurgical center before becoming part of the Urartu Kingdom and lasting until the Middle Ages the city is known for its ancient fortified city metallurgical industry and observatory celestial observations and artifacts bearing sun symbols swastikas rotating crosses and gold objects that challenged the dominance of Mesopotamia in early science with evidence of advanced copper processing
Various types of metalwork have been unearthed from the Kura–Araxe culture, representing the final period of this civilization. / image credit : palomniki.ge
Copper bronze gold and iron were processed to produce high-quality tools and weapons supported by a massive fortified city with large stone walls Located southwest of Yerevan near the village of Taronic the Kura-Arases culture with its various stone works unique burial sites and early writing systems flourished most during
A group of mounds belonging to the Kura–Araxes culture stands out particularly for their wealth representing the final stage of the culture's development Numerous individual tombs with large earthen walls and stone cladding have been discovered These burials also contain a variety of metalwork In the final period of this civilization the tombs contain artifacts indicating social stratification including gold and silver ornaments bronze tools and weapons.
Köhne Shahar archaeological site. / Pottery of the Kura-Arases culture
the early Iron Age and became part of the Urartu Kingdom in the 8th century BC. Unique astronomical discoveries include a calendar belt. The temple complex dedicated to the worship of the sun including the use of the star Sirius "shining" often seen near Orion's Belt, the brightest star in the ancient Egyptian night sky was once used as a marker for the Nile's flood season. Advances in astronomy and extensive trade links as a metal center dating back to 4000 BC. made Met Samor a challenge to the notion of isolated development in early Armenian civilizations.
