According to the Dogan News Agency over 40 scientists from 12 universities are in Van for the yearly dig at the ancient Urartian capital. Work is ongoing at the Castle Mound, the picture taken from Hurriyet Daily News shows the size and complexity of this fortress which is 5,000 years old. The focus of the expedition is to understand how the Urartian civilization was destroyed and how came after. I would argue that it shows the continuous occupation of Van since pre-history by Armenians or pre/proto Armenian peoples.
About me: Sean McClure is currently a Federal Employee with over 15 years of experience working at the White House, Department of the Treasury, USAID, and Department of State. He has traveled extensively to 35 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and Europe.
