CAPS.am Areni Cave, also known as Bird Cave, has recently attracted the attention of Armenia’s archeologists. Excavations in the cave have uncovered large clay pots and jugs (some more than 50 liters in capacity) that have been dated, through examination of organic matter remaining in them, to around 3500-3900 BC. The remains of the dried and crushed grapes, preserved in part due to the cave’s microclimate were sent to the UK for examination. The results clearly dated the cave to the Stone Age. But perhaps of more interest is the fact that the settlement is said to be the world’s earliest large-scale wine making facility ever found. Excavations are still in process and scientists believe they will uncover many interesting objects. The importance of the Cave is now highlighted on multilingual information panels installed as part of the Armenian Monuments Awareness Project’s 2009 program. The AMAP Program aims to enhance the awareness of major Armenian tourism attractions and is supported by CAPS, the Italian Honorary Consul to Gyumri and VivaCell, amongst others. A presentation to launch the information panels were installed at the Areni Cave on 12th November. Multilingual panels were also installed near Astvatsatsin Church in Areni village and along the Areni wine trail. Since the launch of AMAP Project in the beginning of 2008, with technical assistance from CAPS, multilingual information panels have been installed at more than 20 attractions providing visitors with an enhanced experience in Armenia; an open-air museum. See also |
