Mount Ararat with the historic Khor Virap monastery visible at center-left

Khachkars

The khachkar tradition emerged in 9th-century Armenia. The earliest academically documented dated example is associated with Catholicos Mashtots II (879 AD), marking the transition from plain cross-inscribed monolithic blocks — found from the 4th to 7th centuries — to the fully articulated interlaced cross-stone form.

Source

The khachkar tradition emerged in 9th-century Armenia. The earliest academically documented dated example is associated with Catholicos Mashtots II (879 AD), marking the transition from plain cross-inscribed monolithic blocks  found from the 4th to 7th centuries  to the fully articulated interlaced cross-stone form. 

227Khachkars