Queen Tamar coin found during restoration of Amberd Fortress

By Lia Avagyan

Restoration and cleanup work at the Amberd Fortress historical and cultural reserve have uncovered several notable archaeological finds, including a human skeleton believed to belong to a young individual and a rare coin minted during the reign of Queen Tamar of Georgia.

According to a post by the Protection Service of Armenia's Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, the skeleton was discovered outside the fortress's inner towered wall, about one meter east of its central section. Nearly 90% of the bones were found in place, with only the finger bones missing. Based on the condition of the teeth, specialists believe the individual was a young adult.

Workers also uncovered pieces believed to be from a medieval tama board game, similar to checkers, as well as a coin of exceptional historical value minted during the reign of Queen Tamar.

Perched on the southern slopes of Mount Aragats, about 2,300 meters (7,500 feet) above sea level, Amberd is one of Armenia's best-preserved medieval fortresses. Dating mainly from the seventh century, the complex includes defensive walls, a citadel, a bathhouse and the 11th-century Vahramashen Church. Its strategic location overlooking the confluence of the Amberd and Arkashen rivers made it an important military stronghold throughout the Middle Ages.

The coin dates to the reign of Queen Tamar, when the Kingdom of Georgia reached the height of its power. At the time, Amberd was controlled by the Armenian Zakarian dynasty, who governed much of northern and central Armenia under the Georgian crown. The fortress was one of the region's principal military strongholds. 

Excavation and conservation work at Amberd are continuing, with archaeologists expecting to uncover further details about the fortress's history and the people who once lived there.