Two-Metre Cross from the Ruins of Dvin

A two-metre cross from the ruins of Dvin, an exhibit of the National History Museum of Armenia.

Dvin was a large city of crafts and trade and the capital of Armenia from the 5th to the 9th century, in the Vostan Hayots district of the Ayrarat province. It was the capital of Marzpanate Armenia, and from the 5th century it was the seat of the Armenian Catholicos. The city was built by King Khosrov III of Greater Armenia in 335. The name comes from Middle Persian and means “hill”. From the 4th century it was the residence of the Arshakuni kings.

The arms of the stone cross widen towards the ends and terminate in round knobs; there is a circle at the centre, and the round base below is decorated with interlace ornament. An information label stands beside it.