Abstract
<jats:p>Since the 2nd millennium BC, in the Armenian Highlands and, in particular, in the Syunik- Artsakh region, a system of regions separated by natural boundaries is being formed. These settlement systems included a central fortified settlement, satellite settlements of an open type, economic and ideological infrastructure. Thus, a multifunctional complex was being formed, including fortification systems, economic and religious complexes. Naturally, the functioning of such complexes would be impossible without the existence of stationary means of communication. The roads connected not only separate areas of the Syunik region, but were also laid in the direction of high mountain pastures. The protection of the roads was carried out both by the construction of fortresses and watchtowers along the roads, and in the sense of sacred protection: i.e., location of cemeteries and places of worship along the roads. The functioning of an extensive road network ensured the viability of large settlement agglomerations, and also contributed to the formation of unions and confederations.</jats:p>