According to historiographer Stepanos Orbelyan, a fortification was erected around Tatev Monastery at the beginning of the 10th century on the initiative of the spiritual leader of Syunik, Bishop Hovhannes (1006–1058). In the first and second halves of the 11th century, on the initiative of Bishops Hovhannes and Gregory (1058–1116), arched gates with apses and churches were built over the western and eastern entrances adjacent to the fortification. The western entrance with its apses of St. Karapet did not reach us, but in the 1980s, the eastern entrance near the northern fortification was restored together with the one-nave and over the gate churches of Holy Mother of God (built in 1087).

KeywordsTatev Monastery Stepanos Orbelyan old and new entrances of the fortification construction of the spring archaeological excavations epigraphic inscription manuscript mention.

Sotk village is located in the south-east of Gegharkunik province of the Republic of Armenia. According to Stepanos Orbelyan, the name of the settlement originates from the name of the cold wind blowing from the mountain pass to Sevan. The Armenian identity of medieval Sotk is evidenced not only by about two dozen Armenian medieval written sources, but also by historical monuments in the vicinity of the village – churches, khachkars, Armenian inscriptions. The church of Sotk belonged to the Diocese of the Makenyats Monastery of the Armenian Apostolic Church, which was one of the oldest orders of the Armenian Church.

KeywordsSotk Middle Ages culture Christianity monuments excavations fortress church khachkar inscription princely family.