Amberd Fortress

Amberd is one of the most remarkable medieval fortress-cities of Armenia. It is located on the southern slope of Mount Aragats, about 7 km northwest of the village of Byurakan, on a triangular promontory formed by the confluence of the Arkashen and Amberd rivers. The fortress was built according to the principles of ancient and medieval Armenian fortress construction, surrounded on all sides by deep gorges, forming a natural and powerful defensive system. The exact founding date of Amberd is unknown. It has been attributed to the Cyclopean, Urartian, or early medieval periods, but archaeological research indicates that the fortress was constructed between the 9th and 13th centuries. Construction began in the 7th century by the Kamsarakan family. In the 10th century, it came under the control of the Pahlavuni princes, becoming a key defensive stronghold of Bagratid Armenia. Later, it passed to the Zakarians, and then to the Vachutians, who turned the fortress into an administrative center. The Amberd fortress-city includes a castle, bathhouse, chapel, the Cathedral of Vahramashen, an oil mill, and a strong defensive system with high and thick walls. The chapel is located about 9 meters from the bathhouse and dates to the 10th century. The Katoghike Vahramashen Church was built in 1026, sponsored by Vahram Pahlavuni, and is located at the highest central point of the fortress. Excavations at Amberd have uncovered metal objects, weapons, silver jewelry, bronze candlesticks, pottery, glassware, copper and gold coins, and candleholders.