Archaeologists from the Institute of Archaeology, University of Warsaw, discovered evidence of destruction and capture of the ancient city of Metsamor, one of the most famous archaeological sites in the vicinity of Yerevan, the capital city of Armenia, the Nauka w Polsce English Service reported.

“In the entire area of research we found layers of burning and ash. The city was probably captured by the army of Argishti I, the ruler of Urartu,” project manager Krzysztof Jakubiak told Science and Scholarship in Poland (PAP).

Other findings of Polish archaeologists are evidence of the fighting and cruelty. Among them is a skeleton of about 30-year-old woman, whose head was cut off, and of another person with a split skull. “We believe that both of them were killed during the attack on the city,” Dr. Jakubiak added.

The discovered remains were not buried in the tombs, only randomly scattered among the buildings of the so-called lower town. What drew the attention of researchers was a small amount of finds in the form of historical objects, which may illustrate the scale of predatory Urartu invasion.

The invaders did not spare the holy shrines. Archaeologists found a small, oval urban sanctuary, which had been looted during the invasion.

Metsamor is a protected archaeological reserve. Excavations within the reserve have been conducted for almost 50 years.

Polish archaeologists began excavations in Metsamor in 2013. The project was possible thanks to an agreement signed between the Institute of Archaeology, University of Warsaw - in consultation with the authorities of the Centre of Mediterranean Archaeology UW - with the Institute of Archaeology of the Armenian Academy of Sciences of and the Ministry of Culture of Armenia.