Plan to build museum in ancient Armenian site meets unanimous approval

The proposal for constructing an Armenian statehood museum in Aghdzk (Aragatsotn region), the village which is home to an ancient royal crypt, has received a unanimous approval by parliament members and the Government.

After a recent visit to the historical site by archaeologists, historians and the prime minister, the Government made a decision to fund the unfinished excavation activities and the renovation of the Arsacid Dynasty’s (54-482) crypt (364 AD).

“We need a site for a museum where we could keep the excavated items. And there was a proposal for making it an Armenian statehood museum which will also be a site for oath ceremonies and other events. And it seemed to be acceptable to all,” Aragats Akhoyan, an MP from the Prosperous Armenia party, told Tert.am.

Hakob Simonyan, the head of the expedition which previously conducted archaeological studies in Aghdzk, repeated the same in comments to our correspondent. “There was absolutely no objection. So it was our shared belief,” he said.

Speaking to Tert.am, Margarit Yesayan of the ruling Republican Party of Armenia said the archaeologists and historians who visited the site gave the prime minister assurances that they would find and sum up the necessary scientific arguments to raise corresponding international organizations’ attention to the historically exceptional monument.

Pavel Avetisyan, the director of the National Academy’s Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography, had earlier stressed the importance of preserving the monument as a unique sample of the Armenian historical heritage.

The Republican MP said she knows that the uncovered crypt is a historically exceptional revelation. “Yesterday I had the occasion to talk to archaeologists and literary critics who unanimously claimed that it is a very serious revelation. In my personal opinion, it is even a historic moment given that we always feel proud in declaring our country an open-air museum. But on the other hand, we mercilessly destroy everything, without even noticing the samples at the excavation site,” she noted.

The estimated initial cost of the program is 50 million Armenian Drams (over $122,500), according to the Prosperous Armenia lawmaker. 


“After completing the excavations we will ask for creating a council of professionals – both historians and archaeologists – to introduce proposals and select the best ones,” Mr Akhoyan said.

The former expedition’s head, who will be in charge of the new excavations, says they plan to launch their activities next yearin case the program receives a final approval.