Khach-dashs of Caucasian Albania

Abstract

The paper is devoted to the phenomenon of the erection of stone crosses “Khachdashi” (Cross-stone) in the early medieval Caucasian Albania. The tradition of erecting monumental stone crosses goes back to the primitive tradition of the installation of megalithic menhirs. With the adoption of Christianity in Caucasian Albania, the tradition of raising menhirs takes a new form. Menhir is replaced by a cross-shaped stone. Stella-shaped “khachdashi” were also erected, in which the main Christian symbol, the cross, was depicted in a high relief technique. The Armenians resettled to the historical territories of Caucasian Albania in the mid-19th century adopted the tradition of erecting crosses, and the monument itself was called “Khachkar” in Armenian style.