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.

On the way from Harputa to Eliazig, two km east to the historical district of Kharberd in Western Armenia, a giant natural boulder is located on the edge of the road leading to the vineyard Gyolu, in the area rich in springs. This sprawling rock, half buried in the ground, resembles a serpentine sculpture of a mythical colossal animal with two identical smaller protrusions on both sides. Elderly locals call this rock formation in Turkish “'ejderha taşı” which means “dragon stone”.

KeywordsArmenian Highland Sophene Kharberd dragon myth of petrification.

Tatev monastery is one of the famous spiritual-cultural centers of medieval Armenia, the main St. Paul-Peter (895–906) temple of which was built on the site of an early medieval dilapidated church. The cornices of the eastern twin niches of the temple, as well as one for each of the northern and southern windows of St. Paul-Peter temple of Tatev monastery, are decorated with ktitor sculptural portraits and with the reliefs of dragon-snakes (except for the southern cornice) symbolizing their protection.

KeywordsTatev monastery St. Paul-Peter temple reliefs St. Orbelyan St. Mnatsakanyan sculptural portrait dragon-snake niche cornice prince vardpet (stonemason) Yeghia.

In the epic “Sasna Tsrer” Khandut appears as a heroine endowed with exceptional qualities of heroism, dedication, and self-sacrifice. These features of her character contribute to a more holistic perception of the image of the main hero, David. The motives related to Khandut are extremely diverse, making her image the most complete and perfect. We analyzed the character of Khandut in the context of episodes and motives associated with her in 94 versions of the epic “Sasna Tsrer”, taking into account the characteristics of three typological groups (Moks, Mush, Sasoun).

Keywords“Sasna Tsrer” еpic Khandut motive Mother Goddess an Amazon heroic woman virgin goddess dragon fighter mythology goddess Anahit.

The article addresses general epic schemes of the three Armenian epics: ethnogonic, pagan, and medieval-Christian, as well as the Ossetian “Nart” epic. These folklore monuments received their final forms in different historical eras. The formation of the ethnogonic epic “Haikian” (Haikids) was completed in the 9th–8th centuries BC, the pagan epic “Ergk Vipasanats” (“Vipasank”) was composed from the 2nd century BC – 1st century AD, while the medieval epic “Sasna Tserer” was finally formed mainly in the 9th–10th centuries.

Keywordsepic four-branch structure thunder proto-character twins triplets “mithraic” hero main dragon-fighting hero dying and resurrecting hero.

In ancient Armenia there were various types of sanctuaries and sacred places. They served the purpose of worship and its various manifestations, in which the ritual, its traditions and customs were significant and important. In archaic times the petroglyph environment was also a unique sacred area. The votive elements, in various forms of expressions, are present in many scenes and compositions.

KeywordsArmenia rock carving cult worship mythology world creation magic ritual imaginary creature cosmological ideas patriarch Hayk dragon-vishap symbol.