Arshakid Mausoleum

Arshakid Mausoleum
Արշակունիների դամբարան
Arshakid Mausoleum (right) and basilica (left)
Religion
AffiliationArmenian Apostolic Church
StatusRuins
Location
LocationAghtsk, Aragatsotn Province,  Armenia
Arshakid Mausoleum is located in Armenia
Arshakid Mausoleum
Shown within Armenia
Arshakid Mausoleum is located in Aragatsotn
Arshakid Mausoleum
Arshakid Mausoleum (Aragatsotn)
Geographic coordinates40°18′45″N 44°15′22″E / 40.3125°N 44.2561°E / 40.3125; 44.2561
Architecture
TypeMausoleum: Small-cruciform plan; Church: Basilica type plan
StyleArmenian
CompletedMausoleum: Mid-late 4th century; Basilica: Late 4th or early 5th century

The Arshakid Kings Mausoleum and Basilica (Armenian: Արշակունիների դամբարան; also Tomb of the Arshakid Kings or Arshakuni Tomb) is a grave monument complex that sits along a gorge overlooking the Amberd River, and is located in the center of the village of Aghtsk in the Aragatsotn Province of Armenia. It is best known for the mausoleum that once contained the remains of both Christian and pagan kings of the Arshakid dynasty of Armenia. Approximately one hundred meters north of the basilica and tomb complex is a shrine that sits alongside a path leading down to the gorge below, where there are many caves that date from the 16th-18th centuries. Some of the caves have doors and were used during these periods as refuge from invasions.