The stone production in medieval Yeghegis. Raw Materials, Products, and Toolmarks

Exploring the archaeology of stone production in Yeghegis between the ninth and fourteenth centuries, this chapter investigates the operational chain (chaîne opératoire) of stone artifact production, from quarrying to construction. The study adopts a dual approach: analyzing the results of building stratigraphy and examining potential quarrying sites – an aspect previously unexplored in this region. As such, it falls within the archaeology-of-production framework, particularly concerning pre-industrial stonework, and is conducted as part of a Light Archaeology project on medieval settlements in Vayots‘ Dzor. By documenting basalt quarrying sites and tracing the transport and working of stone, this research sheds light on the labor force involved, the scale of production, and the socioeconomic dynamics of medieval stonework. This methodology enhances understanding of the demand for cut stone, the logistics of its transport, and the organization of specialized artisans. The result is deeper historical insight into the construction processes and the society that exploited and sustained them.