Erebuni

a fortress built in the north of the kingdom of Urartu by King Argistis I circa 782 B.C. The ruins of Erebuni were discovered on the hill of Arin-Berd in the northern outskirts of Yerevan. Excavations begun in 1950 have uncovered the walls of the fortress and its gates, a palace, two temples, and outbuildings, as well as approximately 20 inscriptions. Remains of wall paintings discovered in the castle and in one of the temples include ornamental friezes, pictures of gods, and hunting scenes. In 1968, in connection with the celebration of the 2,750th anniversary of Yerevan, extensive restoration work was undertaken at Arin-Berd. The area surrounding Erebuni has been made an archaeological museum and park.