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Sights of Armenia Aragatsotn
The Aghdzk Mausoleum
- RegionAragatsotn
- Distance from Yerevan33.6 km
- TypeMonument/Memorial complex
Aragatsotn
About this place
The Aghdzk Mausoleum of the Arsacid Dynasty of Armenia is located in the village of Aghdzk, Aragatsotn Province. This mausoleum-cemetery is a 4th-century structure, believed by scholars to be the resting place of many Arsacid kings—both pagan and Christian—who ruled Armenia for around 350 years, significantly contributing to the development of Armenian national, cultural, spiritual, and political life.
The Aghdzk Mausoleum and Cemetery of the Arsacids consists of the royal mausoleum, an adjacent three-nave basilica church, and three memorial pillars.
The site has been studied in multiple phases. The first excavations took place in 1973-1974, the second phase occurred in 2001, and the third phase was carried out between 2015 and 2018.
Interesting
facts about The Aghdzk Mausoleum
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According to Pavstos Buzand, in 364 AD, Persian King Shapur II captured the fortress and sacred site of Ani-Kamakh, opened the tombs of Armenian kings buried there, and tried to transport their remains to Persia. The Persians believed that by possessing the remains of the Armenian kings, their glory and strength would be transferred to Persia, aiding its prosperity. However, the Persians failed in this attempt, as Sparapet Vassak Mamikonyan defeated them in the Ayrarat Province and buried the royal remains in Aghdzk.
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The stones around the two sides of the western entrance and on the facades of the rectangular niches are decorated with early pagan and Christian carvings, including lions, dogs, deer, wild boars, gazelles, bulls, and more.
Weather in Aragatsotn
The high season in Armenia lasts for a long time due to the pleasant climate conditions. Warm days in Armenia start in March and last until late autumn; winter is usually snowless and not long. The high precipitation season is variable. The tourist season for Arshakid Mausoleum depends on the weather conditions.
The Aghdzk Mausoleum
FAQ
What is the Aghdzk Mausoleum and where is it?
It is the 4th-century mausoleum-cemetery of Armenia’s Arsacid dynasty in the village of Aghdzk, Aragatsotn Province. Scholars believe it is the resting place of many Arsacid kings, both pagan and Christian, who ruled Armenia for around 350 years.
How did the royal remains come to be buried in Aghdzk?
According to Pavstos Buzand, in 364 AD the Persian King Shapur II captured Ani-Kamakh, opened the tombs of the Armenian kings and tried to take their remains to Persia, believing their glory and strength would pass to Persia. Sparapet Vassak Mamikonyan defeated the Persians in Ayrarat Province and buried the royal remains in Aghdzk.
What can you see at the Aghdzk Mausoleum?
The site consists of the royal mausoleum, an adjacent three-nave basilica church and three memorial pillars. The stones around the western entrance and on the rectangular niches are decorated with early pagan and Christian carvings of lions, dogs, deer, wild boars, gazelles, bulls and more.
Has the Aghdzk Mausoleum been excavated?
Yes, the site has been studied in three phases: the first excavations took place in 1973–1974, the second phase in 2001 and the third between 2015 and 2018.
Aragatsotn
Plan your visit
Address
Aghdzk, Armenia
Aragatsotn
Sights near The Aghdzk Mausoleum
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