Yereruyk Archaeological Site

Yererouk, also Yereruyk or Ererouk, is an ancient Armenian church near the village of Anipemza in the Shirak Province of Armenia [1]. Yererouk was built on a plateau near the Akhurian River, which defines the frontier with Turkey, about 5 km southeast of the ancient city of Ani [1]. Yererouk means quivering in the Armenian language [1]. According to Toros Toramanian, Yererouk is a clear and perhaps the earliest example of the basilica style of the Armenian church buildings that are constructed on pillars [1]. The church was surrounded with thick walls [1]. From the surrounding buildings, underground rooms and the water reservoir, it becomes clear that the church was the centre of a developed residential community [1]. Yererouk Basilica is similar to Syrian basilicas in the architectural system and in the sculptural decoration [1].