NEWLY DISCOVERED ANTIQUE MOSAICS IN THE ANCIENT CAPITAL ARTASHAT
The Public Bathhouses in Armenia, were widespread since the invention of the public Bathhouse construction technology, in the late Greco-Roman times.
Up to this date, The Garni Royal Baths and their mosaic flooring were familiar to us. However, the archeological digs since 2003, headed by Jores Khatchatryan, in Artashat, the Royal Capital of the Artaxid/Ardashesyan dynasty were blessed with the unearthing of another public bath with mosaic flooring. The main structure consists of nine, relatively, larger and smaller rooms. Parts of the mosaics are found in the southern parts of the fourth and eight rooms. 0.7 and 1.2 centimeters wide pieces of Filzit stone have been used to create the mosaics. 
These mosaics are of geometric composition which include rhombus, rectangular, and triangular creations. J. Khatchatryan has mentioned that similar mosaics were unearthed in Anemour - Cilicia, in the ( Eski Anamur) city’s largest Bathhouse, see the article “ Yerazamoyn” «Երազամոյն»-(in Armenian), location and the adjacent complexes (structures), «Պատմաբանասիրական հանդես», ( History and Philology Chronicle) 2009, N1, page 125, also see, Haik Gulamiryans’ article called “ Ardashad, the Capitalcity of the Monarchs” , in the website http://arvestagir.am" http://arvestagir.am )։
The mosaic in room number eight however, is quite well preserved, and it gives an opportunity to study its general composition. The reconstruction of the composition pattern, figures, geometric, swirling and other ornamental motifs, reminds us of carpeting with rich motifs/themes. This beautiful, colorful, and proportionately sorted details give the impression of luxury.
Suzanna Grigoryan
Applicant of the Institute of Art, NAS RA
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