27 October 2010, 22:40
Unique Eneolithic burial found in Armenia
Local archaeologists have detected a nicely-preserved burial place of the Copper-Stone Age, or Eneolithic. Excavations in the cave complex "Areni-1" in the Vayots Dzor Region are shared by Armenian archaeologists with their colleagues from the US University of California and the Irish University of Kirk.
The unique findings in "Areni-1" were reported by Boris Gasparyan, head of the Armenian part of the joint expedition. Remains of children and adults were found in the caves buried in clay vessels. The exterior of the vessels is covered with colour pictures, which is atypical for the Armenian highland of the Eneolithic epoch.
According to archaeologists, the discoveries provide a unique opportunity to restore the historical past of the most ancient Armenia and Near Asia in general; however, scientists lack funds for the necessary genetic assaying of the remains, the "NEWS.am" reports.
Besides, they also found in "Areni-1" fragments of patterned cloth made from nettles with the motifs, which are met even today in Armenian carpets, and also clothes, nettle threads and baskets, the "News-Armenia" reports.
Let us remind you that the oldest shoe in the world, aged over 5500, was found in this cave complex.
