News - More than 5,000-year-old shelter containing tools, animal remains discovered in Armenia

Researchers have discovered an ancient shelter intended for people in Armenia, in which there were many findings. This ancient dwelling was discovered in Vayots Dzor Province during the archaeological excavations of a rockshelter site in Yeghegis Valley. According to a study published in the journal Antiquity, the shelter discovered in 2020 had a collapsed roof and a wall-like structure. In 2022, a 6-foot-deep trench-like hole was dug near the entrance to the shelter, revealing several archaeological layers containing traces of human activity. The remains of about 8,000 animal bones were found at the site, most of them from goats and sheep, and others from pigs, deer, cattle, and bears. The remains found have been radiocarbon dated, with the oldest dating back more than 5,300 years. About 2,000 other findings were also found, including pieces of copper, obsidian blades, beads, and pottery. According to the researchers, preliminary results from the study of the Yeghegis shelter highlight the potential of the site to provide important insights into the lifestyle of people of that era. Additional excavations are planned for further study of the site to shed light on ancient human activities in the region.