32 Ancient Cities That Are Older Than the Pyramids

15. Aknashen: Armenia’s Hidden Prehistoric Village

Located in the Ararat Plain of Armenia, Aknashen is a Neolithic settlement dating back to around 6000 BCE. While still relatively unknown to the wider public, excavations have uncovered multi-room dwellings, storage pits, ovens, and the remains of sacrificial animals—suggesting complex ritual and domestic life. Aknashen offers rare insight into early agricultural societies of the South Caucasus and their contributions to the broader Neolithic revolution. Its proximity to Mount Ararat also weaves it into regional folklore and biblical traditions, adding another layer of mystique.