Armavir, one of the oldest cities in Armenia, traces its roots back to 1980 BC.
King Armenak established it as the ancient capital, imbuing it with historical and spiritual significance.
Religious Center:
Armavir consistently served as a hub for religious worship throughout its existence.
Traces of ancient cults dedicated to the sun and moon, pre-Christian temples, and medieval churches have been discovered within its boundaries.
Layers of Sacred Structures
Evolution of Beliefs:
Over time, sacred structures in Armavir replaced one another as religious beliefs shifted.
Despite these changes, the city’s sanctity endured, connecting generations across millennia.
Armenian Traditional Historiography
Armenak and Aramais:
According to Armenian traditional historiography (Khorenatsi I. 10, Sebeos I), the city’s ancient history unfolds as follows:
Armenak, eldest son of the Armenian forefather Hayk, migrated to the province of Kharg in the Ararat valley.
Settling at the foot of Mt. Aragats, he established a place of residence, naming it Armavir after himself.
Aram and Ara the Beautiful:
Aramais, son of Armenak, continued the legacy.
His descendants expanded Armenia, creating a new, superior Armenia.
Ara the Beautiful, Aram’s son, met a tragic fate in a war against the lustful Assyrian queen Semiramis.
Legacy Beyond Borders
Armavir in Russia:
In the 19th century, Armenians founded a city in Russia, naming it Armavir in homage to their ancient homeland.
This act of remembrance underscores the enduring impact of Armavir’s legacy.
In summary, Armavir’s ancient roots, religious significance, and cultural resonance continue to inspire awe and reverence, bridging the past and the present.
Artatsolum
Here are some authoritative sources about Armavir, the ancient capital of Armenia:
Wikipedia:
Armavir (ancient city): This article provides detailed information about the history, archaeological findings, and significance of ancient Armavir. It was a large commercial city and the capital of ancient Armenia during the reign of the Orontid dynasty. The site is located 1 km west of the current village of Armavir.
Armavir Province: Explore the historical context of Armavir and its role as an ancient capital. The article also mentions the nearby city of Yervandashat, which replaced Armavir as the capital under the Artaxiad dynasty.
Simple English Wikipedia:
Armavir, Armenia: A concise overview of Armavir’s history, including its founding by King Aramais and its various rulers throughout antiquity. The article highlights the city’s significance and its interactions with different empires.