Armenia, a land of rugged mountains and deep valleys, has long been a cradle of civilization. Its rich deposits of iron and copper were the lifeblood of its ancient society, fueling technological advancements and daily life in a world where metal was as valuable as gold.
The biblical narrative of Noah’s Ark, which is said to have come to rest on the Mountains of Ararat, points to Armenia’s significance in the ancient world. These mountains, known in cuneiform records as Urartu, symbolize Armenia’s revered place in history. The Genesis Deluge account, which situates the rebirth of humanity in Armenia, underscores the region’s importance as a cultural and spiritual center.
Strategically located at the crossroads of Turkey, the former Soviet Union, and Iran, Armenia’s geography made it a formidable opponent against invading forces. This was particularly evident during the relentless campaigns of the Assyrian Empire. From the ninth to the seventh century B.C., the kingdom of Urartu, as Armenia was known, stood as a bulwark against Assyrian imperialism, effectively challenging its claim to be the world’s preeminent power.
The zenith of this rivalry came in 714 B.C. when Sargon of Assyria launched an invasion that would eventually weaken Urartu. Despite this, the legacy of the Urarteans as a resilient and influential force remains a testament to Armenia’s enduring spirit and its pivotal role in shaping the history of civilization.
As we delve into the annals of history, Armenia’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and unwavering strength—a narrative that continues to inspire and captivate those who seek to understand the profound depths of our shared human past.
From a book titled “Forgotten Scripts” by Cyrus H. Gordon: “Armenia nurtured an ancient civilization. Its iron and copper mines were important in a world that needed metals for its technology and daily life. The biblical flood story has Noah’s Ark landing on the Mountains of Ararat (=Urartu, as Armenia is called in the cuneiform records). This can only mean that Armenia was considered an important center when the Genesis Deluge account was formulated. Located in the mountains where Turkey, the Soviet Union, and Iran meet or come near each other, Armenia was in a position to resist the onslaught of the Assyrian armies more successfully than many of the other targets of Assyrian imperialism. Indeed, from the ninth through the seventh century B.C., Urartu was the most effective rival of Assyria, and until 714 B.C., when Sargon of Assyria invaded and weakened Urartu, the Urarteans were the rivals of the Assyrians in claiming to be the world’s leading power.” keghart.org
