Yuliya Kuzmina
Lomonosov Moscow State University, Russia
The aim of the study is to systematize the religious architecture of Urartu and to determine the main stages of the evolution of architecture throughout the history of Urartu until the 6th century BC. In order to achieve this goal, the structural features of buildings, dedicated to the God Khaldi (the chief God of the country) will be considered in the report. The characteristic features of temples’ structure, such as the dimensions of the temple, types of columns and roof-constructions, will be analyzed.
By reconstructing the ritual dedicated to the God Khaldi, the correlation between the ceremony and architectural complexes can be traced.
As examples the most famous temples, including the temple of Khaldi and the temple-susi in Erebuni Fortress, the temple of Khaldi in Altıntepe will be considered. Special attention will be given to the Musasir temple — the unique construction of the 8th century BC. The temple has not survived, and the only sources are a sketch of the relief found in Dur-Sharrukin, and the annals of Sargon II, which contain the description of the campaign to Musasir in 714 BC. A reconstruction of the temple (3D model) will also be proposed.
In addition, the cultural relations and influences of adjoining countries and regions, such as Assyria, Phrygia, the Hittite kingdom will be analyzed in the light of our topic.