Material Culture and Trade Network: The Site of Aruch in the Silk Road Context

The analysis of medieval material culture offers an essential perspective for understanding the interconnections between local, regional and transnational societies. The study of materials from the archaeological mission of Aruch (Republic of Armenia), particularly from the excavation sector near the Basilica of St. Grigor, fits into this broader picture, highlighting the site’s role in the Silk Road trade network between the 10th and 14th centuries C.E. The archaeological record, mainly composed of ceramics, glass artifacts, metal objects, and lithic tools, reflects daily practices, productive activities, and commercial dynamics. Particularly relevant is the evidence of local ceramic production and similarities with artifacts found at other Armenian and Caucasian sites, suggesting a dense network of cultural exchanges and influences. This archaeological mission aims to deepen the socio-economic dynamics of the site, contributing to the comprehension of the spatial and functional organization of the medieval settlement, placing Aruch in a broader perspective on material connections in the Middle Ages between Europe and the East.