New data on the periodization and chronology of the Kura-Araxes culture in Armenia

Abstract

This article discusses the following issues : The Kura-Araxes sequence was of discrete character ; its periodization can be dated in-between 3600/ 3500-2900 (KA I) and 2900-2600/ 2500 (KA II) BC. The discreteness of the Kura-Araxes phenomenon is refl ected in the largely single-layered character of both early (KA I) and late (KA II) settlements : a destructive layer demonstrates the discontinuity of certain multi-layered (KA I-II) settlements. The KA I phase represented throughout Armenia is marked by ‘ Elar-Aragats’ type ceramics, which belong to a rather homogeneous complex, widespread almost all over the Armenian Highland. The homogeneity of the complex disintegrates around 2900 BC, and the relative unity is followed by a mosaic of local ceramic styles. The KA II phase contains a series of ceramic complexes similar in basic characteristics but stylistically rather specific. Today, at least three synchronous complexes can be identified on the territory of Armenia, whose areas correspond to physical-geographical regions of the country : the ‘Shresh-Mokhrablur’ complex in the central part of Ararat valley, ‘Karnut-Shengavit’ to the north and east (Aragatsotn, Shirak, Kotayk, Lori-Pambak regions), and ‘Ayrum-Teghut’ in the basins of Aghstev and Debed rivers.