In search of the camp of the IV Scythian legion near ancient Artaxata: research at Pokr Vedi 2015–2018

During the last years of Emperor Trajan’s reign, the Legio IV Scythica was stationed in the capital of Armenia at that time, Artaxata. It had made its way there within the scope of the Roman campaign against the Parthians. Its presence was immortalised on stamped rooftiles, bricks and a monumental inscription discovered by the southern border of the present-day village of Pokr Vedi. The inscription carved into limestone confirms the building activities of the Roman army. Similar inscriptions were frequently placed on the gates and most important buildings in legionary camps. Polish and Armenian archaeologists undertook a joint search for the supposed camp of the Fourth Scythian Legion in the vicinity of the present-day village of Pokr Vedi, where the above-mentioned construction inscription had been found. The field surveys conducted within the framework of the Pokr Vedi Project were mainly of a non-invasive character. The following were applied: surface prospection, aerial photography, interviews with the inhabitants, scanning of part of the terrain and geophysical measurements done using two methods: electrical resistivity and magnetic measurements. The accumulated data enabled the selection of sites in which survey trenches were located