Karashamb: Echoes of the Bronze Age

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.