Map-Database of Ancient Culture of the Armenian Highland

The reliability of cultural and historical primary sources depends on the degree of study, prerequisites, and means of research. With such a variety and quantity, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive and complete study with a multi-element classification. In particular, five distinct stages can be identified in the history of Rock-art study in Armenia: first – the emergence of petroglyphologic thought (V-VII Ce., Movses Khorenatsi, Anania Shirakatsi); second – discovery and descriptive notices (1886 - the first half of the XX Ce.); third: targeted scientific expeditions (1965-1985); fourth: creation of the electronic Map-Database; fifth: 3D modeling of the distribution of petroglyphs and related artifacts in natural-historical environment. Started in 2000 and continuously updated, an electronic map-catalogue of petroglyphs and archaeological sites has been gradually expanding, transforming into a multifaceted repository of ancient culture. Each of the six main layers represents a constituent unit with sublayers. For example: Topography, Geomorphology, Hydrography, Communication Ways, Biosphere, Historicalcultural units. Through interdisciplinary research conducted with the help of the Database, built on a complete description of the natural-historical context and artifacts, the connection of various historical and cultural units with the environment and their functions in the past is revealed. As a result, the process of formation of the ancient cultural space becomes more understandable.