The fortified outpost of Tsilkar (plate IIIb) lies 1.89km northwest (bearing 349°) of Gegharot fortress atop a tall rocky peak known locally as Top Kar (map quad E4f/j).
Tsilkar fortress was constructed atop a severe rock outcrop in the initial line of the Pambak range above the modern village of the same name. Tsilkar fortress's rock spires are entirely denuded but form a small saddle that was fortified by a series of short walls on the southeast, north, and west sides (map 33, 38).
The walls of Tsilkar are in general poorly preserved except on the more gentle northern-facing slope. Here, the walls are preserved for 3-5 courses. They are made of irregular stone blocks set in uneven courses, although the line is well-carpentered. The gateway into the site appears to have been set along the western slope where a steep trail provides access to the citadel.
Very few surface materials were found during survey of the site in 2000 and a re-visit in 2004 (figs. VI.20, 31). The few diagnostic sherds that were recovered (n=20) were assigned to Group A (LB/I1) and a sounding conducted at the site in 2000 produced very few materials (only 2 indeterminate sherds). Nevertheless, the fortress does appear to be most securely attributable to the same LB building programs that established the outposts at Poloz-Sar and Ashot-Yerkat.
See: Badalyan et al. 2003; Smith et al. 2004.
Badalyan et al. 2003; Smith et al. 2004.
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