Tomb of the Arshakids in Aghtsk

The village of Aghtsk is located in the Ararat district (now Aragatzotn district) of The Great Hayk. It has been known by its tomb, which was constructed in the middle of 5th century. It preserved the ashes of the pagan and Christian kings of the Arshakuni dynasty. Referring to Pavstos Byuzand, the persian king Shapuh II, while occupying Ani-Kamakh, discovered there the tombs of Armenian kings. He tried to move them to Persia, because according to pagan - Persian beliefs, - tombs that contain the bones of the kings, their fame, fate and courage will follow too. However, general Vasak Mamikonyan, after defeating the persian army in Ararat field, took the relics back and burried them in Aghtsk.

There, they have been preserved in a two-storey stonemade underground part of the tomb (length- 3.75m., width- 2,65m., height-2.60m.) with cruciform foundation. The tomb has vaulted cover, and inside it has horse-shoe-like arcs.