Erebuni Museum

Erebuni Museum is an interesting place to visit for archaeologists and fans of history. The museum stands at the foot of the Arin Berd hills - the location where Urartian Fortress Erebuni, the antecedent of present day Yerevan is constructed. 

Erebuni museum was established in 1968. The opening of the museum coincided with the 2750th anniversary of Yerevan. Here you can find samples dating before our century. The city-fortress where the museum stands was built by Argishti I – the King of Urartu. Historical records testify the year 782 BC as the date when it was built. The majority of the fortress was built from raw bricks. Being a Hellenic culture at that time, a temple of God Khaldi occupied an important place in the fortress. Khaldi was a warrior god whom the kings of Urartu would pray to for victories in battle. The worship was conducted with weapon, such as swords, spears and arrows.  

Erebuni Museum exhibits about 12235 samples. It was constructed by architect Baghdasar Arzoumanian and Shmavon Azatian and sculptor A. Harutiunian. 

The museum is divided into four central halls. In Hall One you can find the bas-relief of Teisheba and Khaldi. Both are Urartian gods to whom forerunners of Armenians worshipped during Hellenistic era. In the centre of the two bas relief is a large wall map of embossed metal showing the Urartu Empire. Finally, underneath the map is a model of Erebuni as it was first built.

In Hall Two, you can see stone irrigation and water pipes, large stone bowl made of volcanic rock used for filtering water and a grinding stone. This hall also exhibits jars, saddles and farming implements, wine vessels.

Hall Three is dedicated to weaponry and crafts. It exhibits iron pipes, door locks, vessels, molds and weaponry, including helmets, spear, small sword and word fragments, slings, arrows.

Hall Four is dedicated to religion and power. You can find articles for worshiping God Khaldi. There are also two small bronze statuettes of Teisheba and Arubani. There are amulets, jewellery, ceramic figures, bronze tureens, etc.

The museum is located at 38 Erebuni St at Erebuni Square. It is open from Tuesdays to Sundays from 10:00 to 15:00. The entrance fee is quite affordable ranging up to 1000 AMD. In case you want a guide to accompany you, better to call them one day before (phone: + 374 10 45 -97-11, + 374 10 45-97-12) for English, German or French language tours.