Tomb of the Arshakuni royal house in Aghdzk

The tomb of the Arshakuni royal house stands in the village of Aghdzk in the Aragatsotn province and dates to about AD 359–360. The stone mausoleum once had two storeys. Its underground part survives, with a cross-shaped plan measuring 2.65 × 3.75 × 2.6 m. Excavations uncovered vaulted ceilings and horseshoe arches; the floor is paved with stone.

The facades on both sides of the western entrance and the rectangular niches are decorated with biblical scenes, among which “Daniel in the lions’ den” is clearly recognisable. Early Christian symbols are also carved: lambs, crosses in circles and birds. Excavations were carried out in the 1970s, when the ruins of a 4th-century three-aisled basilica were uncovered on the north side of the tomb.

The photograph shows a reddish stone slab with a worn relief beside a dark entrance.