A new archaeological expedition in eastern Turkey near Lake Van has uncovered multiple active dig sites with Urartian-era ruins. Researchers are investigating what these discoveries might reveal about the Urartian civilization.
Key facts:
- Ayanıs Castle features a temple dedicated to the Urartian god Haldi
- Temple attributed to Urartian king Rusa II (685–639 BC) via cuneiform inscriptions, son of Argisti II
- Bronze shields and helmet were discovered as offerings to Haldi
- Andesite walls decorated with religious motifs