The Archaeological Significance of Shengavit
Shengavit, an ancient settlement in present-day Yerevan, Armenia, offers a rich glimpse into early human civilization. This site, dating back to the early Bronze Age, around 3500 BC, provides valuable insights into the lives of its inhabitants.
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Discovery and Excavation
Archaeologists first discovered Shengavit in the early 20th century. Excavations began in 1936 under the direction of Yevgeny Bayburtyan. Subsequent digs, led by various archaeologists, have continued to uncover significant artifacts and structures.
Architectural Features
Shengavit’s architecture reveals much about its society. The settlement includes circular and rectangular stone houses. These structures often feature central hearths, indicating their use for both living and communal activities. The presence of storage pits suggests advanced food preservation techniques.
Artifacts and Daily Life
Excavations have unearthed numerous artifacts, including pottery, tools, and ornaments. The pottery, often decorated with intricate designs, indicates a developed sense of aesthetics. Tools made from obsidian and bone show advanced craftsmanship. Ornaments, such as beads and pendants, suggest a society that valued personal adornment.
Economic Activities
Shengavit’s economy relied on agriculture, animal husbandry, and trade. Archaeologists have found evidence of wheat, barley, and lentil cultivation. Animal bones indicate the domestication of cattle, sheep, and goats. Trade artifacts, such as obsidian tools from distant regions, suggest extensive trade networks.
Burial Practices
Burial sites at Shengavit provide insights into their spiritual beliefs. The dead were often buried in fetal positions, accompanied by grave goods. These goods, including pottery and tools, suggest a belief in an afterlife where such items would be useful.
Social Structure
The variety of housing and grave goods indicates a stratified society. Larger homes and richer grave goods likely belonged to higher-status individuals. This stratification suggests a complex social hierarchy.
Conclusion
Shengavit offers a window into early human civilization. Its well-preserved structures and artifacts provide valuable information about the daily lives, economic activities, and social structures of its inhabitants. Continued research at Shengavit will undoubtedly yield further insights into this fascinating ancient settlement.
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