Armenia is a real paradise for those interested in archaeology. There is no virtually a single place not occupied by any archaeological monument. It is a common situation when digging private house cellar - not to speak about major construction works for highways or factories - results in new exciting discoveries

The history of human settlement of Armenia dates back to Early Stone Age. Numerous cave settlements, rock carvings and impressive material unearthed indicate continued progress of first social entities at the territory of Armenian Plateau.

The Bronze Age was the period of formation of the Indo-European and early Armenian tribes, as well as of huge waves of nomads and migrating masses virtually from all directions. It is the times when Armenian tribe unions and confederations were neighbouring Hittite and Assyrian Kingdoms, when the megalithic observatory of Karahunj and the first complete cycle metallurgic factory of Metsamor were built. Rich findings of sites and tomb fields of Lake Sevan basin, Aragats Mount region and many others allows to restore the picture of life of what later became Nairi Kingdom.

Period of Urartu - Biblical Ararat Kingdom - was marked by the invention of iron, active construction of towns, fortresses, temples, as well as roads network. Arts and especially shrine crafts reached level of genuine masterpieces.

Hellenism in Armenia is demonstrated by unprecedented fusion of local and Greco-Roman elements practically in all spheres of life. It was the peak of might of Armenian Kingdom that expressed in establishment of new capitals, towns and development of fine and applied arts and crafts. Modern excavations provide an opportunity to affirm the notes on Armenia of such ancient authors, as Strabo, Pliny and many others.