[2] The original name of the settlement was "Arkashat" (Արքաշատ), meaning "The joy of the King", and was mentioned by Strabo as "Arxata" (Ἄρξατα).

The thickness of the cultural layer, which was defined as the result of researches (1936 and 1979–90), is 3–4.5 m. The castle walls, built of large stones (2.2–2.6 m in width, 1,2-2,5 m in height) and remains of the residential buildings are very interesting.

During the 15-14th centuries BC, Şahtaxtı became a type of fortress-city settlement, and has been the center of large tribal unions of Nakhchivan.

A rich painted ceramics, cylindrical seals (15-14 centuries BC), and the exquisite decorative patterns found here show that the Şahtaxtı was in close contact with the ancient cultural centers of the Middle East.

Pink, gray and black pottery, ornaments, stone tools and osteologic remains were found in the settlement.