A magnetic survey was conducted at Yervandashat, an ancient capital of Armenia founded in the early 2nd century BC and located in the extreme west of the country, at the confluence of the Akhuryan and Aras rivers. Covering over six hectares, this first geophysical investigation revealed extensive subsurface architectural remains, including rectilinear buildings, room divisions, and burnt installations such as ovens and hearths. Interpretation was particularly challenging due to the basaltic geological substrate and the widespread use of basalt in the city’s architecture, which strongly affected the magnetic signal. Zone-based elevation models provided critical insight into how the settlement was organised across a stepped river terrace system. These results offer the first coherent picture of the city’s hidden layout and form a crucial foundation for future high-resolution terrain analysis and targeted archaeological excavation.
Ground plan of the Jervandakert palace from: Muradyan, S. (2022/2023). Zum Nachleben urartäischer Architektur im Jerwandaschat-Komplex am Araxes (Armenien). Boreas. Münstersche Beiträge zur Archäologie 45/46, 45–64.