sentences:  The first archaeological survey was done in 1887 by Ananie Yavashov, and regular excavations were conducted from 1953.The walls enclosed and had 35 bastions projecting in front of the wall.The southern wall was more vulnerable than the others as it was overlooked by a slope outside, and hence the southern gate was recessed from the wall, which was also thicker in this area, and a moat was dug outside it for extra protection.