Cultic Complexes in the Context of Irrigation Systems

Water was the main factor of sustenance, itself an object of worship. Water supply complexes and natural objects were also objects of worship. Similar complexes could be located near natural water sources. The cultic platforms and dragon stone stelae placed near the Lakes Aylakh, Al, Sev, Khoznavar, Kari can be classified in this group. The latter were also placed at the sources of rivers (Martuni, Arpa). The sacralization of the place is also evidenced by the tombs located on the lake shores (Sevan, Al, Sev, Khoznavar). The next group of religious objects is located near artificial irrigation complexes: canals, water basins (Aragats irrigation system). This fact can indicate that the area was under taboo. At the same time, irrigation systems and cultic complexes, act as a single co-structure with defensive and economic complexes forming a comprehensive natural and manmade landscape cell with natural, cultic, economic and defensive components. The inscriptions placed along the Urartian irrigation complexes should be considered in these same contexts.