Անվավոր փոխադրամիջոցների մոդելների ծագումը Հայաստանում և Հարավային Կովկասում և դրանց գործառույթը

<jats:p>Between 3500–2500/2400 BC, during the Early Bronze Age, specifically within the so-called Kura-Araxes culture of Armenia and the broader South Caucasus, clay wheel-and-cart models and animal figurines begin to appear alongside the characteristic, black-polished pottery of this culture. Previously, such objects were not widespread. The discovery of these artifacts in large quantities is exceptional, and their function has long been a subject of discussion among archaeologists. Methods and Materials: A recent study of finds from the Early Bronze Age settlement of Harich, stored in the History Museum of Armenia since 2020, revealed a collection of 330 animal figurines, 9 wheeled vehicle models, and 133 wheel models. These objects were restored, re-measured, and analyzed in comparison with similar Kura-Araxes artifacts from other South Caucasian sites. Analysis: Since one complete wheeled vehicle model was also found during excavations at Harich, it is essential to examine the interrelationships among these objects and their emergence in the South Caucasus as the earliest examples of wheeled vehicles. Results: This study presents the earliest known wheeled vehicle models in the region and discusses their forms and possible functions.</jats:p>