THE CAUCASIONI COMPONENT OF INDIVIDUALS FROM HOVHANNAVANK MONUMENT Nyura Hakobyan Aghavni Zhamkochyan Anahit Khudaverdyan Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography, NAS RA Abstract The population of medieval Armenia was not homogeneous. Some combinations of craniological features of South-European race are extant. According to the craniological data on our disposal today, among the late medieval population of Hovhannavank are present specific complexes of features not characteristic for the Armenian population of later periods. This complex of features stands close to the Caucasioni type. Closest analogues to that type were found among the populations of Georgia, Azerbaijan (Mingechaur) and Iran (Turang Tepe). Based on anthropological and palaeopathological data, two types of deformation were observed: circular high (high ring) and low. Pathological changes represent a certain adaptation form to ecobiological and social environmental factors. Leading among the unfavorable environmental factors is considered the general infectious background. Keywords: Armenia, Hovhannavank, anthropology, Caucasioni type, deformation of the head, palaeopathology Hovhannavank is one of the medieval monastic complexes of Armenia which is located at the edge of a rocky cliff of the Kasakh River, opposite Mount Araler (2600 m.), Aragatsotn district (Pic. 1). From three sides Hovhannavank is defended by long mighty walls, and from the fourth side – by natural barrier, the slopes of a mountain which towers above the river. 1 Moritz Wagner who visited the monastery in the XIX century, wrote: “When you look on the deep gorge from the slopes of Aragats it unveils an extremely picturesque and magnificent panorama. Through the gorge flows the River Aparan (Khasakh). This breathtaking sight you can enjoy from the territory of St. Hovhannavank”. 2 Hovhannavank monastery is the masterpiece of the XIII century Armenian architecture due to its magnificence, narthex, elegant sculptures and rational architectural solutions. 3 Hovhannavank was not only a complex of churches but also a well known convent: “Thus under the patronage of St.Karapet among numerous brothers-hermits was written and given to this holy brotherhood this delighting [the soul] 1 Ghafadaryan 1948: 42. 2 Shahaziz 1987: 303. 3 Toramanyan 1948: 55.