Ancient Dvin Ruins

Ancient Dvin Ruins - Dvin Archaeological Site

Duin city.
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#armenia #travel #armeniatravel

Dvin disappeared Capital of Armenia (Двин исчезнувшая столица Древней Армении)

Zvartnots - beautiful 7th-century ancient ruins in Armenia

Zvartnots Cathedral (literally celestial angels cathedral) is a 7th-century centrally planned aisled tetraconch type Armenian cathedral built by the order of Catholicos Nerses III.

Zvartnots was built at a time when much of Armenia had just recently been overrun by the Muslim Arabs who were progressively occupying the Sasanian Persia of which Armenia was a part at the time.

Construction of the cathedral began in 643 under the guidance of Catholicos Nerses the Builder. Dedicated to St. Gregory, it was located at the place where a meeting between King Trdat III and Gregory the Illuminator was supposed to have taken place.

According to the medieval Armenian historian Movses Kaghankatvatsi, the cathedral was consecrated in 652. From 653 to 659, Nerses was in Tayk and the construction of the cathedral continued under Anastas Akoratsi. Following the Arab occupation of Dvin and the intensifying wars between the Byzantine and Arab armies on the former's eastern borders, Nerses transferred the patriarchal palace of the Catholicos from Dvin to Zvartnots.

The exterior church design, featuring basket capitals with Ionic volute mounts, eagle capitals, and vine scroll friezes reveals the influence of Syrian and northern Mesopotamian architecture.

Zvartnots remained standing until the end of the tenth century, but historical sources are silent as to the cause of its collapse.


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Sony Action Cam FDR-X3000 -
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Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC MACRO HSM -

The creation of Great city Dvin Դվին Քաղաքի եռաթափ պատկերը behind the scenes

Shooting Andin took over 3 years. After editing, there was a lot of material that did not get into the film. This is the creation of a three-dimensional image of the city of Dvin, which was once the capital of Armenia. The image was made on the basis of the ruins that have survived to this day.

ANDIN: ARMENIAN JOURNEY CHRONICLES - Historical journey from China to Mexico, from India to France, during which the most incredible discoveries were made that once changed the fate of all Armenian nation. This is the first historical, most ambitious documentary about Armenians, which won an award at the Golden Apricot Festival in Armenia and an award in Toronto.

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Съемки Андин проходили на протяжении 3х лет, было отснято много материала. После монтажа было осталось очень много материала которые не попали в фильм. Это создание трехмерного изображения города Двин, который когда-то был столицей Армении. Изображение было сделано на основе руин, которые сохранились по сей день.

АНДИН. ХРОНИКИ АРМЯНСКИХ ПУТЕШЕСТВИЙ - Историческое путешествие от Китая до Мексики, от Индии до Франции в течении которого были сделанны самые невероятные открытия, которые когда-то изменившие судьбу Армянского народа. Это первый исторический самый масштабный документальный фильм про Армян, который получил премию на фестивале Золотого Абрикоса в Армении и премию в Торонто.

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Անդին Ֆիլմի նկարահանումները տեւեցին ավելի քան 3 տարի։ Ֆիլմը մոնտաժելուց հետո շատ նյութեր դուրս են մնացել։ Սա Դվին քաղաքի եռաչափ պատկերն ստեղծելու պրոցեսն է։ Դվինը շատ վաղուց Հայաստանի մայրաքաղաքն էր։ Այս պատկերը ստեղծվել է Դվինի քաղաքի փլատակների հիման վրա։

ԱՆԴԻՆ.ՀԱՅՈՑ ՃԱՆԱՊԱՐՀՈՐԴՈՒԹՅԱՆ ՏԱՐԵԳՐՈՒԹՅՈՒՆ - Չինաստանից Մեքսիկայից, Հնդկաստանից Ֆրանսիա կատարած պատմական ճանապարհորդությունը, որի ընթացքում կատարվել են ամենա անհավանական հայտնագործություններ, որոնք փոխել են հայ ժողովրդի ճակատագիրը:Սա հայերի մասին առաջին պատմական ամենամեծ վավերագրական ֆիլմն է, որը արժանացել է հատուք մրցանակների Տորոնտոյոի եվ «Ոսկե ծիրան» փառատոնների ժամանակ:

Բաժանորդագրվեք այս էջին
Ֆիլմը գնելու համար այցելեք:
Անդինի Ֆեյսբուքյան էջը:
Մեր հետ կապվելու համար գրեք: chinhayo@hotmail.com

Ararat Province, Khor Virap, Ancient Artashat Ruins, Ancient Dvin Ruins, Vazgen Sargsyan Museum

Coloply Travel



Khor Virap , Xor virap, Xor Virab , Խոր Վիրապ, Хор Вирап,

Ancient Artashat Ruins , Արտաշատի հնավայր , Արտաշատի ավերակներ, Руины Арташата,

Ancient Dvin Ruins , Դվին, Դվինի Հնավայր, Руины Двина,
Pyramid in Dvin, Դվինի բուրգ, Пирамида Двина,
Poplar Garden in Dvin, Բարդիների Այգի, Сад Тополей,

Vazgen Sargsyan Museum, Վազգեն Սարգսյանի տուն-թանգարան,
Dvin City, Музей Вазгена Саркисяна

Samvel Sahakyan - Artashat Dvin

anzugakan hrashali katarumner.....bolor jamanakneri lavaguyn haykakan legendar astxeric...armenian retro...nostalgia ..old songs...oriental...armenian rabiz ..azgagrakan ..razmakan..hayrenasirakan..joxovrdakan....2018..hit....подпишитесь на наш канал в ютубе

Harout Pamboukjian - Khoseceq Artashat, Dvin // Հարութ Փամբուկչյան - Խոսեցեք Արտաշատ, Դվին

Album - Patriotic songs // Ալբոմ - Հայրենասիրական երգեր

Двин

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Двин – одна из 12 столиц и один из самых важных исторических городов Армении с историей более 1000 лет. После того как русло реки Аракс сместилось к югу и стольный город Арташат лишился воды, было решено перенести столицу армянского государства в другое место. Царь Великой Армении Хосров из династии Аршакидов для этих целей выбрал двинский холм, расположенный между нынешними селами Двин и Хнаберд

AliExpress -

Թիմը գնում է գյուղ, այսօր` Գառնի l Straight to Garni

Գառնիում Թիմը հայտնաբերեց մի շարք հետաքրքիր փաստեր տաճարի և այնտեղ գտնվող եկեղեցու ավերակների մասին: Գառնին արևի տաճար է, ոչ թե՝ կրակի, ինչպես շատերն են կարծում: Ըստ Թիմի՝ հռոմեական բաղնիքների վերանորոգումը չի համապատասխանում հուշարձանի պատմական ոգուն:

At Garni Tim found out new exciting facts about the temple and the ruins of a church next to it. Garni is a sun temple, not a fire temple as many people think. According to Tim the renovation of the Roman baths, which are near the temple wasn't done with respect to the historical sight.

The Oldest Church in Yerevan, Armenia/ Katoghike Church of Avan

Zvartnots Cathedral, Ejmiatsin, Armavir Province, Armenia, Eurasia

Zvartnots Cathedral is a 7th-century centrally planned aisled tetraconch type Armenian cathedral built by the order of Catholicos Nerses the Builder from 643-652. Now in ruins, it is located at the edge of the city of Etchmiadzinin Armavir Province of Armenia. Zvartnots was built at a time when much of Armenia was under Byzantine control or influence and during the early invasions of Armenia by the Muslim Arabs. Construction of the cathedral began in 643 under the guidance of Catholicos Nerses III (nicknamed Shinogh or the Builder). Dedicated to St. Gregory, it was located the place, where a meeting between King Trdat III and Gregory the Illuminator was supposed to have taken place. According to the medieval Armenian historian Movses Kaghankatvatsi, the cathedral was consecrated in 652. From 653 to 659, Nerses was in Tayk and the construction of the cathedral continued under Anastas Akoratsi. Following the Arab occupation of Dvin and the intensifying wars between the Byzantine and Arab armies on the former's eastern borders, Nerses transferred the patriarchal palace of the Catholicos from Dvin to Zvartnots. Zvartnots remained standing until the end of the 10th century, but historical sources are silent as to the cause of its collapse. A close copy of the cathedral was erected at Ani out by Trdat the Architect under the reign of Gagik I Bagratuni during the final decade of the 10th century. The contemporary Armenian historian Stepanos Taronetsi referred to Zvartnots when describing the church that Gagik I had inaugurated as a large structure at Valaršapat, dedicated to the same saint that had fallen into ruins. The ruins of Zvartnots remained buried until its remains were uncovered at the start of the 20th century. The site was excavated between 1901 and 1907 under the direction of vardapet Khachik Dadyan, uncovering the foundations of the cathedral as well as the remains of the Catholicos palace and a winery. The excavations furthermore revealed that Zvartnots stood on the remnants of structures that dated back to reign of the Urartian king Rusa II. Most scholars accept the 1905 reconstruction by Toros Toramanian, who worked on the original excavations, and proposed that the building had three floors. Some scholars, as Stepan Mnatsakanyan and most notably A. Kuzentsov, however, reject his reconstruction and have offered alternative plans. Kuzentsov, for example, contended that Toramanian's plan was constructionally illogical and insisted that the technical expertise at the time did not correspond to the bold design that the architect had conceived. The interior of the mosaic-decorated church had the shape of a Greek cross or tetraconch, with an aisle encircling this area, while the exterior was a 32-sided polygon which appeared circular from a distance. Some sources claim that the Zvartnots cathedral is depicted upon Mount Ararat in a relief in Sainte-Chapelle in Paris. However, this is not very likely as the fresco was painted more than 300 years after destruction of the church. Together with churches in Echmiadzin, Zvartnots was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2000. A drawing of the cathedral was depicted on the first issue of 100 AMD banknotes and its model can be seen in Yerevan History Museum. The Holy Trinity Armenian Church in the Malatia-Sebastia district of Yerevan is modeled by architect Baghdasar Arzoumanian after Zvartnots and was completed in 2003.

Lusarat Village - Helping Needy In Armenia - Aid Beyond Borders

Ararat Marz, Lusarat Village
Here is another family living in vulnerable conditions. This family has 4 children: 5 and 7 year old boys and girls, ages 3 and 1.5 years old. They are expecting their 5th child, but please do not make the 5th child the subject of discussion. It will not help the family, and certainly will not help the children to get them out of their desperate conditions. The children already exist and abortion is NOT an option.

The children's father works in the fields day and night, but is not able to fully feed the children. At the time when I talked to the mother, she said that they are in need of food desperately. In addition, children don't have proper clothes and school stationary to attend school and kindergarten. Because of lack of money, the children who attend kindergarten are not included in many special plays. They are devoid of basic living conditions. However, we can change all this and ensure that the family will no longer think about their children being hungry and will look forward to providing for themselves.

We plan take the family cow and chicken, food to last them a long time, means to stay warm for the upcoming winter, clothing, shoes, and school supplies for children, necessary hygeine items, etc. I am sure that many of you know how our organization operates and hope that the fact that the family is expecting another child will not pull you away from supporting our mission for this week. These are the kids who will be ultimately protecting our borders from the enemy. At least keep that factor in mind. Thank you. you may donate here: aidbeyondborders.org

Zvartnots Cathedral, Ejmiatsin, Armavir Province, Armenia, Eurasia

Zvartnots Cathedral is a 7th-century centrally planned aisled tetraconch type Armenian cathedral built by the order of Catholicos Nerses the Builder from 643-652. Now in ruins, it is located at the edge of the city of Etchmiadzinin Armavir Province of Armenia. Zvartnots was built at a time when much of Armenia was under Byzantine control or influence and during the early invasions of Armenia by the Muslim Arabs. Construction of the cathedral began in 643 under the guidance of Catholicos Nerses III (nicknamed Shinogh or the Builder). Dedicated to St. Gregory, it was located the place, where a meeting between King Trdat III and Gregory the Illuminator was supposed to have taken place. According to the medieval Armenian historian Movses Kaghankatvatsi, the cathedral was consecrated in 652. From 653 to 659, Nerses was in Tayk and the construction of the cathedral continued under Anastas Akoratsi. Following the Arab occupation of Dvin and the intensifying wars between the Byzantine and Arab armies on the former's eastern borders, Nerses transferred the patriarchal palace of the Catholicos from Dvin to Zvartnots. Zvartnots remained standing until the end of the 10th century, but historical sources are silent as to the cause of its collapse. A close copy of the cathedral was erected at Ani out by Trdat the Architect under the reign of Gagik I Bagratuni during the final decade of the 10th century. The contemporary Armenian historian Stepanos Taronetsi referred to Zvartnots when describing the church that Gagik I had inaugurated as a large structure at Valaršapat, dedicated to the same saint that had fallen into ruins. The ruins of Zvartnots remained buried until its remains were uncovered at the start of the 20th century. The site was excavated between 1901 and 1907 under the direction of vardapet Khachik Dadyan, uncovering the foundations of the cathedral as well as the remains of the Catholicos palace and a winery. The excavations furthermore revealed that Zvartnots stood on the remnants of structures that dated back to reign of the Urartian king Rusa II. Most scholars accept the 1905 reconstruction by Toros Toramanian, who worked on the original excavations, and proposed that the building had three floors. Some scholars, as Stepan Mnatsakanyan and most notably A. Kuzentsov, however, reject his reconstruction and have offered alternative plans. Kuzentsov, for example, contended that Toramanian's plan was constructionally illogical and insisted that the technical expertise at the time did not correspond to the bold design that the architect had conceived. The interior of the mosaic-decorated church had the shape of a Greek cross or tetraconch, with an aisle encircling this area, while the exterior was a 32-sided polygon which appeared circular from a distance. Some sources claim that the Zvartnots cathedral is depicted upon Mount Ararat in a relief in Sainte-Chapelle in Paris. However, this is not very likely as the fresco was painted more than 300 years after destruction of the church. Together with churches in Echmiadzin, Zvartnots was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2000. A drawing of the cathedral was depicted on the first issue of 100 AMD banknotes and its model can be seen in Yerevan History Museum. The Holy Trinity Armenian Church in the Malatia-Sebastia district of Yerevan is modeled by architect Baghdasar Arzoumanian after Zvartnots and was completed in 2003.

Armenia Travel | Land of Noah | The Unknown Genocide

Armenia Travel | Land of Noah | The Unknown Genocide

Welcome to my channel and this week’s video is about Armenia Travel, also known as the Land of Noah and the history of The Unknown Genocide.
Few nations have histories as ancient, complex and laced with tragedy as Armenia (ՀԱՅԱՍՏԱՆ). And even fewer have a culture that is as rich and resilient. This is a destination where you will be intrigued by history, awed by monuments, amazed by the landscape and charmed by down-to-earth locals. It's not an easy place to explore – roads are rough, transport is often hard to navigate and those who don't speak Armenian or Russian may find communication difficult – but travelling here is as rewarding as it is revelatory.
The simply extraordinary collection of medieval monasteries scattered across the country is the number-one attraction, closely followed by a dramatically beautiful landscape that is perfectly suited to hiking and other outdoor activities. And then there's the unexpected delight of Yerevan – one of the region's most exuberant and endearing cities. Put together, they offer an enticing and tremendously enjoyable travel experience.
I had no idea about the horrible Genocide that Armenia had of 1922 until I visited the country. It is something that no one talks about. On a more positive note - Armenia has the prettiest monasteries in the world and driving throughout the country is so fun. Lastly, Armenians are awesome - come visit Armenia to find this all out for yourself.
In this Armenia Travel Vlog 2019, I will explain you about How to Travel to Armenia? Tips for Armenia travel budget, the things to know before visit Armenia, Things to do in Armenia and must see in Armenia .This is Armenia Travel reviews for your future travel planning.
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18 Best Places to Visit in Armenia:
• Yerevan the pink city of Armenia
• Shikahogh State Reserve
• Sevanavank Monastery, Sevan Lake
• Dilijan national park
• Mount Aragats, Armenia
• Lake Arpi
• Noravank, Armenia
• Gyumri City Hall
• Vanadzor
• Amberd Fortress
• winter wonderland Tsaghkadzor
• Geghart Monastery
• Karahunj Observatory
• Khor Virap, Armenia
• Ruins of Ancient Dvin
• Garni Temple is believed to have been erected in 77 AD, and it’s last pagan temple
• Noratus Cemetery
• Armenian Alphabet Monument

Explore Yerevan, the pink city of Armenia:
Once you step into Yerevan, you’ll be in awe of its beautiful architecture where its buildings were made up of volcanic rocks of various shades of pink! That’s how Yerevan got its nickname ‘Pink City” or sometimes also known as the city of stones. Yerevan is a very developed city with modern architecture, cultural centres (Opera House), museums and monuments. Some of these highlights include the Republic Square, Genocide Memorial, Mother Armenia Monument, Vernissage Art Market, just to name a few.

Armenia:
Armenia (/ɑːrˈmiːniə/ (About this soundlisten);[14] Armenian: Հայաստան, romanized: Hayastan, IPA: [hɑjɑsˈtɑn]), officially the Republic of Armenia (Armenian: Հայաստանի Հանրապետություն, romanized: Hayastani Hanrapetut'yun, IPA: [hɑjɑstɑˈni hɑnɾɑpɛtutʰˈjun]), is a country in the South Caucasus region of Eurasia.

Armenia is a unitary, multi-party, democratic nation-state with an ancient cultural heritage. Urartu was established in 860 BC and by the 6th century BC it was replaced by the Satrapy of Armenia.
Armenia recognises the Armenian Apostolic Church, the world's oldest national church, as the country's primary religious establishment. The unique Armenian alphabet was invented by Mesrop Mashtots in 405 AD.

Armenia is a member of the Eurasian Economic Union, the Council of Europe and the Collective Security Treaty Organization. Armenia supports the de facto independent Artsakh, which was proclaimed in 1991.

REF:


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#armenia #armeniatravel #OtherSideoftheTruth #travelarmenia #armeniagenocide #unmappedtraveldestinations #dustinpfundheller #armeniatravelvlog #armeniatravelguide #YerevanthepinkcityofArmenia #KhorVirap #Tsaghkadzor #Garnithelastpagantemple

Mysteries Of Armenia - Zvartnots Cathedral / Combinat Production

The PV Program Mysteries Of Armenia by Combinat Production

Armenia’s Ancient Dragon Stones

(English-language video. For the Armenian version, visit

Armenia’s dragon stones (vishapakars), known simply as the dragons, are the country’s oldest monuments. Like cross stones, or khachkars, dragon stones are unique to Armenia.

In this 2015 video, dragon stones are discussed by an archaeologist, a historian, and a resident of the village of Darik, the site of a massive, 4,000-year-old dragon monolith.

Since 2011, Armenia’s Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography has placed unprecedented attention on studying, excavating, preserving, and restoring dragon monuments. Armenian archaeologists have worked side by side with a team of colleagues from the Free University of Berlin.

Armenia’s Ancient Dragon Stones

(Armenian-language video. For the English version, visit

Armenia’s dragon stones (vishapakars), known simply as the dragons, are the country’s oldest monuments. Like cross stones, or khachkars, dragon stones are unique to Armenia.

In this 2015 video, dragon stones are discussed by an archaeologist, a historian, and a resident of the village of Darik, the site of a massive, 4,000-year-old dragon monolith.

Since 2011, Armenia’s Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography has placed unprecedented attention on studying, excavating, preserving, and restoring dragon monuments. Armenian archaeologists have worked side by side with a team of colleagues from the Free University of Berlin.

UNFORGETTABLE ARMENIA ????????#VLOG3

Armenia is a nation, and former Soviet republic, in the mountainous Caucasus region between Asia and Europe. Among the earliest Christian civilizations, it’s defined by religious sites including the Greco-Roman Temple of Garni and 4th-century Etchmiadzin Cathedral, headquarters of the Armenian Church. Khor Virap Monastery is a pilgrimage site near Mount Ararat, a dormant volcano just across the border in Turkey.

Tourist Destination:
Yerevan, Armenia

Shikahogh State Reserve

Sevanavank Monastery, Sevan Lake

Dilijan national park

Mount Aragats, Armenia

Lake Arpi

Noravank, Armenia

Gyumri City Hall

Vanadzor

Amberd Fortress

Tsaghkadzor

Geghart Monastery

Karahunj Observatory

Khor Virap, Armenia

Ruins of Ancient Dvin
#armeniatour
#winery
#yerevan2018

Greek Armenian archaeological Sites.wmv

Greek Armenian archaeological Sites
Neoithic period in Greece Minoan civilization Dephi Apolo , Pythian Games ,
Macedonia Pella Alexander the great Stoa of Athenians Athetic Statues Polygona wall Gymnasium Hippodrome Castalian Spring Herodes Theatre Tholos Oympia Acropolis Mycenae Discobolus Zeus Prehistory Hellenistic period Roman Early Middle Late Bronze Age
Urartu Ararat Nairi Erebuni Kingdom of Cilikia Ejmiatsin Cathedral Vagharshapat Aruch Cathedral Astarak Zvartnots Cathedral Amaghu Noravakn
Eghegnadzor Sanahin Monastery Kecharis Ereruyk Basilica Ani Odzun Hrip'sime Gayiane Church Talin Harichavakn Haghbat Geghard Vank Aruc Sevan Monastery Aghtamar Dvin Khachkar

Khor Virap Monastery, Lusarat, Ararat Province, Armenia, Eurasia

The Khor Virap is an Armenian Apostolic Church monastery located in the Ararat plain in Armenia, near the border with Turkey, about 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) south of Artashat, Ararat Province. The monastery was host to a theological seminary and was the residence of Armenian Catholicos. Khor Virap's notability as a monastery and pilgrimage site is attributed to the fact that Grigor Lusavorich, who later became Saint Gregory the Illuminator, was initially imprisoned here for 13 years by King Tiridates III of Armenia. Saint Gregory subsequently became the king's religious mentor, and they led the proselytizing activity in the country. In the year 301, Armenia was the first country in the world to be declared a Christian nation. A chapel was initially built in 642 AD at the site of Kirat Virap by Nerses III the Builder as a mark of veneration to Saint Gregory. Over the centuries, it was repeatedly rebuilt. In 1662, the larger chapel known as the St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) was built around the ruins of the old chapel, the monastery, the refectory and the cells of the monks. Now, regular Church services are held in this church. It is probably the most visited pilgrimage site in Armenia. The place of imprisonment virap nerk'in came to be known as the Virap or khor (deep), 'virap' meaning the Bottom most pit. Khor Virap is located on a hillock in Pokr Vedi; the village is 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) from the main highway. Yerevan, the capital and largest city of Armenia, is 30 kilometres (19 mi) to the north. It is situated about 100 metres (330 ft) away from the Turkish-Armenian border (sealed by barbed wire fencing) and defended by military establishments that guard the troubled border zone. The monastery is surrounded by green pasture lands and vineyards within the Ararat plain and is in view of Mount Ararat. The Arax (or Arakas) River flows close-by and the monastery is opposite of Aralykh. King Artashes I, founder of the Artashesid dynasty, established his Armenian capital at Artashat (also known as Artaxtisata) around 180 BC. It is believed that Hannibal, the Carthaginian General who was persecuted by Rome, was also instrumental in establishing Artashat. Artashat remained the capital of the dynasty till the reign of King Khosrov III (330--339) when it was moved to Dvin. Subsequently, Artashat was destroyed by the Persian King Shapur II. Artashat is close to the hillock of Khor Virap. Until its chapel was built, Khor Virap was used as royal prison. The Nerses chapel, built in the 5th century around the famous pit, was of white limestone. Though plain in appearance, a monastery was built around a large enclosure that surrounds the ruins of the old chapel. This church has a twelve sided tholobate and dome and is dedicated to S. Astvatsatsin. The altar pulpit is well decorated. Though most Armenian churches have an east-west orientation, placing the altar at the east end, St. Gevorg Chapel is oriented northwest-southeast. The pit where Gregory was imprisoned is southwest of the main church, underneath St. Gevorg Chapel which is a small basilica replete with a semicircular apse. Of the two pits inside the chapel, Grigor's is the farther one, 6 metres (20 ft) deep and 4.4 metres (14 ft) wide. The pit is approached through two unmarked holes. A small chamber, winding stairway, and a ladder lead to a small enclosure in the pit. To the right of the altar in the dungeon is the main room. A long ladder from here descends to a large cell of fairly good size, which was Grigor Lusavorich's prison cell. The climb down the well is to a depth of 60 metres (200 ft). The pit is well lit but the climb down the metal ladder requires sturdy shoes. It is also extremely humid down the pit in the summer months so be cautious and don't bring candles down as this adds to the heat. The 17th century church built around the pit is a simple structure surrounding a large courtyard which looks like a fort complex. Archaeological sites were excavated starting in 1970 in the thirteen hills (maximum height 70 metres (230 ft)) around Khor Virap and up to the valley of the river. Excavations in the hills 1 and 4, and sections of hills 5, 7 and 8 and of the neck of the land between Hills 1 and 2 are in progress. Some archaeological excavations have also been carried out outside the walls of the church at the site of Artashat, the capital of the Tiridat dynasty. In addition to ancient coins and potsherds, excavations have unearthed well preserved mud-brick fortifications on the north slope of the third hill from the northeast. The anniversary of the deliverance of Gregory is also celebrated in the Illuminator's cathedral built in Erivan.