The Neolithic Settlement of Aknashen (Ararat valley, Armenia): Excavation seasons 2004-2015

The Neolithic settlement of Aknashen (Ararat valley, Armenia) is the first monograph devoted to the Neolithic period in Armenia. The research is based on an Armenian-French project and examines the natural environment, material culture, and subsistence economy of the populations of the first half of the 6th millennium BC. It also examines similarities and differences between the sites established in the 6th millennium in the basins of the rivers Araxes and Kura, as well as parallels with contemporary cultures in Southwest Asia.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 314 pages
Publication date: 17 February 2022
Publisher: Archaeopress

The Neolithic settlement of Aknashen, located in the Ararat Valley of Armenia, stands as a groundbreaking monograph that delves into the rich tapestry of Armenia's Neolithic period. This extensive research project, conducted in collaboration between Armenia and France, brought together a diverse team of specialists from Canada, Romania, Germany, and Greece, further enriching the scope and depth of its findings. Spanning from 2004 to 2015, this monograph offers a comprehensive exploration of the natural environment, material culture, and subsistence economy of the early 6th millennium BC populations who established the first sedentary settlements along the alluvial plain of the Araxes river.

One of the remarkable aspects of Aknashen is the remarkable thickness of its cultural layer, estimated to be nearly 5 meters. This extensive excavation has uncovered vast areas, providing a wealth of information about the lives and livelihoods of these ancient inhabitants. The multidisciplinary nature of the research, encompassing various disciplines such as archaeology, geology, paleoecology, and anthropology, adds immense value to the site, as it sheds light on various aspects of the Neolithic period.

Aknashen's significance extends beyond Armenia's borders, as it holds great importance for the study of the Neolithic in the broader South Caucasus region. The publication delves into the similarities and differences between the sites established in the 6th millennium in the basins of the Araxes (Armenia) and Kura (Georgia and Azerbaijan) rivers, as well as drawing parallels with contemporary cultures in Southwest Asia. This comparative analysis offers valuable insights into the cultural and economic developments of the region during this time.

Furthermore, the monograph addresses critical questions related to the characterisation and periodisation of the Neolithic in the central part of the South Caucasus. It explores the emergence of a production economy, characterized by the production of pottery and animal husbandry, and the process of Neolithisation that transformed this region. The findings shed light on the social, economic, and cultural dynamics that shaped the lives of the Neolithic communities in the Ararat Valley and beyond.

In conclusion, the Neolithic settlement of Aknashen, through its extensive excavation seasons from 2004 to 2015, emerges as a pivotal contribution to our understanding of the Neolithic period in Armenia and the South Caucasus. This monograph not only provides valuable insights into the lives and livelihoods of the early inhabitants but also contributes to our broader understanding of the cultural and historical developments of the region. Its multidisciplinary approach and comprehensive coverage make it a valuable resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike.

Weight: 1132g
Dimension: 205 x 290 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803270029