Շիրակի պաշտպանական համակարգի ձևավորման գործընթացը

Abstract

Archaeological investigations witness fact to strengthen the natural defence of the fertile Shirak plain (enclosed by the Kars plateau, the Shirak and Pamback Ranges and the Mt. Aragats) by the fortifications since the ancient times. The archaeological research level of the considerable part of these fortifications doesnt enable to do the more complete interpretations. However comparative analysis of the results of investigations based on topographical and chronological data of the fortifications, together with the account of military and political situation in the region, enable to reveal the process of successive formation of the Shirak defensive system since the 3rd millennium BC up to 1st millennium AD. In the period of the Kamsarakan prince’s family (4th-8th centuries AD) ancient fortresses along Akhuryan valley transit trade routes are being rebuilt and completed. Hence the linear defensive system of the Shirak plain was formed and strengthened. During the reign of Bagratids (9th-11th centuries AD) the capital from Kars to Ani was trasfered in the 961 AD. By this action, fusing together with the linear defensive system was formed the concentric defensive system of the capital. In connection with the rise of the new developing urban centres, Ani, as the most important strategic centre, also became crossroad of the international transit trade routes. Reorganized and improved Shirak defensive system - one of the composite links of the Ayrarat state defensive system - became the controlling junction with strategic significance for the reconstructed statehood sovereign country.