Artashat is the 4-th capital of Armenia. Artashat was founded by the Armenian king Artashes A in the Ararat Valley at the junction of Eraskh and Metsamor rivers. In the period of flourishing Artashat occupied a territory of nearly 3 thousand ha with more than 150 thousand inhabitants. Artashat was a large center of international trade, and its role increased in the 1-2 centuries due to extension of trade relations with Rome and the East. More than 8 thousand stamps were found in the Artashat’s archives, which were used for verification of trade deals and other documents. The coins of the kings of Artashesyan Dynasty and the city of Artashat were struck in the Artashat Mint. Artashat was also famous as an important center of Hellenistic culture.

The marble statue of Goddess Astghik, the parts of other statues and numerous clay statues depicting musicians and theatrical masks were found in Artashat.