Introduction of site architecture 

The architecture complex in Vedi Fortress comprises Late Bronze Age (LBA) fortifications made of unworked cyclopean stone masonry and several foundations of buildings (Erb-Satullo et al, 2019). 

In the middle of the fortification walls, there is a large number of sizable collapsed stones concentrated in front of the walls which suggests the existence of a fortified tower in each fortification wall. The fortified towers or gate towers are taller defensive structures built for surveillance use and protect the gate area, which is the weakness of a fortification. Within the two barriers, one excavation trench together with several exposed building foundations, can be identified in the below aerial photo. 

In the Vedi Fortress, some foundation settings and the excavated findings such as bones of sheep combined to suggest regions could have been used as crop storage and animal pens. Excavation and database study will continue to support or subvert this hypothesis and to discover the functions of other unidentified buildings. 

Through reviewing related archaeology publications and matching site characteristics with similar archaeological sites, it may help narrow the scope of excavation and provide new but applicable insights in solving unsure questions. For example, Fortresses in the Caucasus region were placed for surveillance of agricultural land which may suggest Vedi Fortress could have been overlooking arable land in the past (Hammer, 2014).

The Sangar Fortress is one of the fortresses which has a similar landscape to Vedi fortress, with a long fortification built on a growing slope with cliffs on the three other sides. Fortification walls and towers in both fortresses were constructed along the contour lines or along the artificial terraces in Vedi’s case; in other words, the construction of forts followed the morphology of the relief to strengthen defensive power. The fortification in both cases is believed to take advantage of the highland for supervision or other functions like hillfort and plateau fort (Biscione, Hmayakyan & Parmegiani, 2002).

Another case similar to the Vedi’s one is the Berdi Glukh Fortress in Mtnadzor. A fortification wall was built on a gentle slope as the above cases. However sections of fortification were also found along all other edges to enclose the site and form a castle (Biscione, Hmayakyan & Parmegiani, 2002). An enclosed circular fortification surrounding a hilltop is more common than this special one in Vedi.

Except for the shape and site relief, the concentration of diagnostic ceramic sherds, types of construction rocks and section drawings of buildings are other key comparative elements used in different site study  (Biscione, Hmayakyan & Parmegiani, 2002). Site study, for example, data collection on the fortification walls will first focus on the building materials and structures. This may accelerate the understanding of building techniques, and even the construction date.

Conservation

Since most of the architecture remains stable, neither the risks of damaging construction nor removal are expected in the coming years, recording building condition regularly and delaying deterioration will be the future conservation approach. This means destructive intervention should be minimized unless massive potential decay is observed, to “Avoid the scenario where attempts to retain the same amount of fabric gradually result in the complete replacement of old with new” (Australian Heritage Council, 2013). See Fig. 3. 

Processes of Conservation

We are now digitally recording and designing a conservation plan to understand Vedi Fortress better and try to extend the lifespan of the architectural heritage for both physical and historical value. In the management or conservation plan, precautional and practical measures such as regular monitors and propping to reduce the risk of catastrophic collapse should be carried out following the advice of conservation professionals. See Fig.4. 

Traditional building techniques, materials and substances that correspond to the appropriate historical period should be referenced if partial restoration is needed, to secure the integrity and authenticity of the LBA architecture and that of our site. 

Australian Heritage Council. (2013). Ruins: A guide to conservation and management. Commonwealth of Australia. 

Biscione, R., Hmayakyan, S., & Parmegiani, N. (2002). The North-Eastern Frontier. Urartians and non-Urartians in the Sevan Lake Basin. I, The Southern Shores, Rome.

Erb-Satullo, N. L., Jachvliani, D., Kalayci, T., Puturidze, M., & Simon, K. (2019). Investigating the spatial organization of Bronze and Iron Age fortress complexes in the South Caucasus. antiquity, 93(368), 412-431.

Hammer, E. (2014). Highland fortress-polities and their settlement systems in the southern Caucasus. Antiquity, 88(341), 757.

Hodges, R., & Molla, N. (2009). Decoding Butrint s Fortifications: Excavations and Surveys, 2005-2009. Expedition: The magazine of the University of Pennsylvania, 51(3), 18-20.