The Water Use System in the Shnogh River Basin (From Ancient Times Until Our Days)

The Lori region has been one of the most active economic areas of Armenia for centuries. This is evidenced by the archaeological excavations and ethnographic studies carried out there. The developed horticultural zone of the region mainly includes the basins of Debed and its tributaries. One of the big tributaries of the Debed river is Shnogh, which passes through the territories of Shnogh and Teghut villages. Our data on the water use system of this area dates back to the 3^rd and 1^st millennia BC, as well as to the Middle Ages and present days. The riverside horticultural slopes of the Shnogh river basin are an important evidence of the irrigation system. The intensive cultivation of these lands is evidenced by the medieval winepresses (dated from 12^th to 13^th centuries) documented by excavations here. Recently, due to the construction of the Teghut mining complex, the irrigation system of gardens has been disrupted. As a result of river pollution, the riverside lands are now partially irrigated by the main water pipes of the village.