Noratus | The Cross Stones Forest

Noratus Cemetary

The History of the Development of Cross Stone Art 

The Cross stone is one of the most distinctive expressions left by the Armenian people in the world’s cultural heritage repository. Rooted in the traditions of commemorative monument art, it reached its peak during the medieval Christian period. In Noratus, there are remarkable examples of Cross stones from various periods of craftsmanship.

In the 4th-5th centuries, pillars with crosses mounted on their upper parts were placed on multi-step pedestals in various locations (Artik, Talin). When pagan temples were converted into churches, Christians often placed crosses as symbols of their new faith. According to historical sources, Saint Gregory the Illuminator, the founder of the Armenian Apostolic Church, had crosses erected at the sites of the martyrdoms of Saints Hripsime and Gayane, along roads, and in public squares. According to tradition, wooden crosses were built on the island of Sevan, in Sanahin, and as far as Georgia.

In the 5th-8th centuries, wood was replaced by stone when "winged crosses" began to be created. The further development of "winged crosses" and square pillars led to the emergence of a new type of monument — the Cross stone, which reached its final form in the 9th century.

In the 9th-10th centuries, when Armenia was freed from Arab rule, the country began to prosper. As Ani, Lori, Kars, and Van became flourishing centers, the art of Cross stone carving developed significantly during this period.

Noratus Historical Cemetery  IX-XVII BCE

Noratus is located in the Gegharkunik region of Armenia, on the right bank of the Gavarraget River. It is one of the oldest settlements in the ancient province of Syunik in Greater Armenia, with numerous monuments dating back to the Bronze and Iron Ages found in the area.

In the medieval period, Noratus was often considered a village-town. It is most famous for its ancient and expansive cemetery, which houses more than 800 intricately carved Cross stones (khachkars) and tombstones dating from the 9th to the 17th centuries, including two chapels from the 13th century.

The cemetery is a rich repository of Armenian cultural heritage, offering numerous masterpieces of khachkar art, a significant part of Armenian identity. The tombstones provide insight into the stages of development of this art, each phase distinguished by different carving techniques, ornamentation, and design features.

Noratus is also known for its talented medieval stone carvers, such as Kiram, Melikset, Khachatur, Avanes, Akob, Nerses, Hovhannes, and others, who worked on creating these exceptional monuments.

The cemetery also contains various forms and sizes of tombstones, including flat, rectangular, and cradle-shaped stones. The flat tombstones (known as salatapan) typically feature human figures, while other tombstones are adorned with crosses, floral motifs, and scenes of everyday life, such as hunting, feasts, and work.

Among the khachkars and tombstones, many examples have inscriptions and dates, which are valuable sources for understanding the history, historical geography, socio-economic relationships, culture, customs, and other aspects of the Armenian people.