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Karashamb: Echoes of the Bronze Age

Explore Karashamb's ancient burial grounds, revealing millennia of Armenian history and Bronze Age mysteries.

Karashamb is an archaeological site in Armenia's Kotayk region, notable for its extensive Bronze Age burial grounds. With over 700 tombs dating from the 20th to the 7th centuries BC, it offers insights into ancient burial rituals and social structures.

A brief summary to Karashamb Sightseeing

  • CH4P+8QR, Karashamb, AM

Local tips

  • Visit during the spring or fall for mild weather and comfortable exploration conditions.
  • Wear sturdy shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain.
  • Bring water and snacks, as there are limited facilities at the site.
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Getting There

  • Car

    From Yerevan, take the M1 highway towards Ashtarak. After about 30 kilometers, turn towards the Mount Aragats area and follow signs to Karashamb. The site is approximately 15 kilometers from the main road on a narrower road leading directly to Karashamb. There is no entrance fee. Ensure your vehicle is suitable for mountain roads.

  • Public Transport

    Take a minibus (marshrutka) from Yerevan to Ashtarak, a journey of about 45 minutes. From Ashtarak, hire a taxi or arrange for a local driver to take you to Karashamb. A taxi from Ashtarak to Karashamb typically costs between 3,000 to 5,000 AMD (Armenian Dram). Negotiate the fare before starting your ride.

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Discover more about Karashamb Sightseeing

Karashamb, located in the Kotayk region of Armenia, is a significant Bronze Age monument distinguished by its large burial site. The area contains over 700 tombs dating back to the 20th to 7th centuries BC, providing a unique glimpse into the burial practices and social dynamics of the time. Archaeological excavations, which began in the Soviet era and resumed in 2009, have revealed a wealth of information about the people who lived here millennia ago. The tombs are closely spaced, each surrounded by stones and cromlechs, with a flagstone often installed in the center. Some of the larger burial mounds had wooden coverings. The deceased were typically buried on their sides or face, with bent limbs, resembling a fetal position. The artifacts discovered, including pottery and tools, have helped archaeologists reconstruct the lifestyle and social structure of this ancient society. A unique encrusted silver bowl, dating from the 22nd-21st centuries BC, was found in one of the burial mounds and is now displayed in the History Museum of Armenia. Karashamb offers visitors a chance to connect with Armenia's rich history and explore a site that holds many secrets yet to be uncovered. While it may appear as a simple heap of stones to the untrained eye, the site represents a significant piece of human history.

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