A large, meticulously paved area near Lake Sevan has been identified as a monumental site for public ritual dance and performance. Dating to the Urartian period, the floor is constructed from dark basalt and features worn channels that indicate centuries of use. Chemical residue analysis of the stones has revealed heavy concentrations of frankincense, storax, and beeswax, indicating massive aromatic displays during festive events.
The site is believed to be the earliest evidence of the Navasard festival, the ancient Armenian New Year. The location, overlooking the water, would have hosted thousands of people for multi-day celebrations involving athletic competitions and sacred music. This discovery shifts the understanding of ancient Armenian ritual space from enclosed temples to large, open-air communal platforms designed for sensory immersion.