Early Christian basilica unearthed in Armenia's Kapan

Archaeologists in Armenia’s Syunik Province have uncovered the foundations and column bases of a 4th-5th century three-nave basilica during excavations near the town of Kapan. The site on the banks of the Voghji River once housed a fortress-settlement of the Syunik princes, later becoming the capital of the Kingdom of Syunik in the 10th century.

According to excavation leader Gagik Sargsyan of the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography, systematic digs of this scale are being carried out here for the first time. Remains of royal palace structures from different periods have also been uncovered, along with a small chapel, a wine press, fortification walls and part of a defensive tower.

Excavations are ongoing, with archaeologists expecting further significant discoveries.