Patnos / Aznavur Tepe
Patnos / Aznavur Tepe · Aznavur · Patnos
Urartian (810–730 BCE)·Urartian (Menua)·🇹🇷 Ağrı Province, Patnos Plain, Turkey
About
About Patnos / Aznavur Tepe
Patnos / Aznavur Tepe in Ağrı Province, Patnos Plain, Turkey is a Urartian (810–730 BCE) fortress of Urartian (Menua) tradition. Urartian fortress of Menua controlling Patnos plain. 800 BCE, the site forms a stratified mound/karst fortress 300×200 m, 12 m high, urartian temple 20×18 m. Excavations since the mid-20th c. expose basalt foundation with mudbrick, columned hall, cistern architecture with diagnostic ceramics, lithics and administrative finds.
Archaeobotany and radiocarbon anchor the sequence, informing regional Urartian (Menua) networks across the Ağrı Province. Threats include agricultural encroachment, erosion, stone robbing; research continues on Urartian (Menua) chronology.
Why it mattersType-site for Urartian (Menua) Urartian (810–730 BCE) in Ağrı Province, Patnos Plain; key for chronology, technology and interaction.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology of Urartian (Menua) levels?
- 02Function of extramural cemetery?
Theories
- 01Demic diffusion vs local adoption
- 02Ritual aggregation centre
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c.800 BCE
- Period
- Urartian (810–730 BCE)
- Culture
- Urartian (Menua)
- Purpose
- Urartian fortress of Menua controlling Patnos plain
- Excavation
- Excavation ongoing
c.800 BCE
Initial construction / first occupation
c.1200 BCE
Major expansion / fortification phase
20th c.
Systematic excavation begins
On the ground
Structures & features
39.2400° N · 42.8700° E · 1650 m · 3 mapped features
Patnos / Aznavur Tepe — Citadel Gate
gateMonumental gate with stone socle and mudbrick superstructure
39.2406° N · 42.8706° EPatnos / Aznavur Tepe — Palace/Barracks
palaceAshlar or timber-laced administrative building
39.2396° N · 42.8705° EPatnos / Aznavur Tepe — Lower Town
settlementExtramural lower town with workshop quarter
39.2392° N · 42.8692° E