Levon Melikset-Bek, a specialist in Caucasian Studies, is known to the scientific community as a medievalist and expert in Source studies. As an archaeologist, he studied megalithic monuments, in particular dragon stones. L. Melikset-Bek showed a special interest in archaeology during his studies at Odessa University. After his studies, he was a member of several archaeological societies holding senior positions. In 1923–1930, Melikset-Bek carried out energetic archaeological activity in different parts of Georgia (Kakheti, Kavturi, South Ossetia, Trialeti, Javakheti) studying medieval monuments. However, Melikset-Bek is engaged in real archaeology not in the field of medieval, but prehistoric archaeology: in particular, the author's object of research is megalithic monuments partly in Ossetia, but mainly in Javakheti and Trialeti.

KeywordsLevon Melikset-Bek archaeology Javakheti Trialeti megalithic culture dragon stones researches of 1920s.

The newly discovered archaeological site is located on the right bank of the Araxes River, on the northwestern slopes of Mount Ararat. It was identified through the systematic analysis of satellite imagery. The site exhibits the characteristic features of “desert kites”, including a large enclosed area, external cells, and lateral protrusions. The dating remains unknown, as no field investigations have yet been conducted at the site. The structure provides new insights into the spatial distribution and morphological variability of “desert kites” in the region.

Keywords“Desert kites” Mount Ararat Araxes River Basin remote sensing archaeology satellite imagery