Armenian-French-Iranian archeological group continued digging within the 2nd final stage of excavation program on the territory of Erebuni Historical and Archeological Museum-Reserve in Yerevan.
The press-service of the museum has told ArmInfo that during the excavation a wonderful street was discovered covered with pebble. It is on the East near the temple of God Khaldi. Its length is 30 meters and it was constructed 2700 years ago. According to the head of the Armenian part of the expedition Mikael Badalyan this is a unique and unprecedented discovery, which has lead to new theories why it was necessary to build Teishebani fortress. "In particular it has become clear that in the middle of 7th century B.C. an earthquake occurred on this territory", Badalyan stated.
Head of French group Stefan Duchamp attached great importance to the excavations. According to him due to excavations in Erebuni new discoveries were made important for understanding development of civilization of the whole region in post-Urartu period. The excavations are of great importance not only from archeological point of view but also for renovation of Erebuni. The French archeologist expressed hope that new program on excavations will be launched in 2017.
Director of Erebuni Historical and Archeological Museum-Reserve Gagik Gyurjyan noted that the discoveries were made due to 8-year archeological program implemented with France's support. The expert thinks that these excavations have led to solving three important tasks: the archeologists tell about their archeological and scientific discoveries, cooperate with important archeological organization in France as well as are getting ready for the 2800th anniversary of Erebuni-Yerevan. "We need to conduct certain renovation activities till 2018 and the excavation work provides this opportunity", he stated recalling that the program will finish in several days. "However, we have applied to the French Ambassador with a request to continue the program as it will provide opportunity to not only make significant archeological discoveries but also boost international cooperation, which is of great importance", Gyurjyan noted.