The oldest stage of Garakepektepe coincides with the Mesolithic Age. Flint and microlitic obsidian artefacts discovered in the territory of the monument are clear evidence of settling this area over the same period. It is believed that then this hill was inhabited by Mesolithic Age hunters.

The next layer cropping out on the surface of Garakepektepe is dated to the period of fully developed sedentary farming. This period coincides with VI-V milenia B.C. This stage is characterized by small adobe constructions for everyday household needs, very simple agricultural tools and primitive clay utensils.

In this cultural layer, there were revealed stone, bone and horn adzes and sickles as well as utensils typical for that period. In the period of the Early Bronze Age and the early bronze culture spreading over the territory of Azerbaijan, i.e. in IV-III millenia B.C., round and rectungular dwelling and household premises typical for this period were built on the slope and at the foot of this archaeological monument. These constructions affirm that at that time Garakepektepe was an inhabited place and craft center. Among the ancient handcrafts developed here are metalwork, pottery, weaving and others.

It is interesting that thickness of the cultural layer dated to this period is 7 m. This is evidence for the existence of very intensive life activities in the territory of the monument. In the course of archaeological excavations there were discovered high-quality glossed ceramics, examples of small plastic art and various ritual fireplaces. Very rare and valuable finds were revealed in the above-mentioned layer of Garakepektepe monument. Among them are spearheads made of meteorite stone, a clay mould for the bronze axe and ceramics richly decorated with symbolic ornaments.

During the archaeological excavations carried out in the territory of the monument, artefacts dated to other stages of the Bronze Age were found. Excavations carried out in the upper layer of this period resulted in finding the ruins of a magnificent wall dated to the Middle Bronze Age. Various ceramic ware, decorations and other artefacts discovered in this layer cover the same period. The obtained materials demonstrate convincingly the development of the cultural interactions and trade connections between the local population and Southwest Asia.

Also, it is necessary to note that a large burial site belonged to the ancient people inhabited this area was discovered in the territory not far from Garakepektepe. Interesting discoveries covering Bronze and Early Iron Ages were obtained during the archaeological excavations carried out in this territory.

The cultural and economic development of Garakepektepe also proceeded during the next ages. Thus, a very important watchtower erected on the Great Silk Road existed here in the Early Middle Age.

The territory was entirely covered with stone buildings. Archaeological artefacts excavated here  give grounds to advance the idea that in the Middle Age Garakepektepe was the significant trade and craft settlement played an important role in the life of the region.

ANCIENT PETROGLYPHS IN KALBAJAR REGION

Study of the petroglyphs revealed in the territory of the mountain Kalbajar region, in the upper River Terter was first initiated in 1976. This region of Azerbaijan is made up of Quaternary lava which surface is covered by subalpine and alpine meadows as well as by chingils (shingle) formed as a result of weathering of igneous rocks. Ancient images were discovered on the surface of these stones and rocks. They were found at three rock-art sites: on the banks of the mountain Lakes Zalkhagel, Alagel and in the area of Takhta. There are a great number of various subject matter petroglyphs in these places. Most of such images are to be found in the basin of Lake Alagel, at a height of about 3000 m. Among discovered images are more than 700 rock engravings depicting different scenes from everyday life of ancient people inhabited this area. Numerous depictions of wild animals – panthers, deer, Caucasian goats, bezoar goats, wolves, etc. are also presented here. There are interesting topical petroglyphs depicting ritual dances, deer hunting, harrowing process as well as images of wheeled carts with yoked oxen. As a rule, these images are predominately line-drawings or outlined figures depicted in profile and executed with stone tools. Depictions of human beings and different animals, particularly panthers, are silhouette carved petroglyphs.

Due to their characteristic features and execution techniques, the rock engravings found in Kalbajar region can be dated to the Bronze Age or to III-II millennia AC.