The Armenian pantheon is rich with gods and goddesses reflecting various aspects of ancient Armenian culture, spirituality, and beliefs. Vahagn is one of the main deities in the Armenian pantheon and is known for his great physical and spiritual strength.
Vahagn is often associated with fire and is considered the god of purifying fire, thunder, and war. He is seen as a protector of the people, standing guard over justice and creation, and continuously combating the forces of darkness. This made him an important figure in the ancient Armenian belief system, symbolizing the struggle between good and evil, light and darkness.
The epithet Vishapakah, meaning “Dragon Slayer,” is attributed to Vahagn due to his legendary battles against dragons and other monstrous creatures, which are described in various Armenian myths and legends. These stories showcase his extraordinary strength and courage, drawing parallels with the legendary Greek hero Hercules. Both Vahagn and Hercules are known for their incredible feats and their roles as protectors and defenders of the people.
Hayk Nahapet, or Hayk the Patriarch, is a legendary figure in Armenian mythology, considered the founder of the Armenian nation and the ancestor of all Armenians. The story of Hayk revolves around his battle against the Babylonian tyrant Bel, also known as Nimrod. Hayk, who was an extraordinary archer and a skilled athlete, led a rebellion against Bel’s tyranny, eventually defeating him and his forces.
The day of Hayk’s victory, August 11, was celebrated as the New Year, called Navasard, in ancient Armenia. Navasard was an important holiday, marking the beginning of a new year and the renewal of nature. Festivities during Navasard included various rituals, dances, feasts, and sports competitions, showcasing the physical prowess of the participants.
Kings and nobles also took part in these sports competitions, as physical strength and athletic ability were highly valued in ancient Armenian society. These events served as an opportunity for the people to demonstrate their skills and honor the legendary figure of Hayk, who symbolized the triumph of the Armenian people over oppression and the establishment of their nation.
The traditions and legends surrounding Hayk Nahapet, Navasard, and the athletic competitions held during the holiday provide insights into the values and beliefs of ancient Armenian society, emphasizing the importance of physical strength, courage, and perseverance in the face of adversity. These stories and traditions continue to hold cultural significance for Armenians today, connecting them to their rich heritage and history.
Armenian kings were known for their athletic prowess and actively participated in various sports competitions, including the ancient Olympic Games in Greece. Their achievements in these events demonstrate the importance of physical strength and athletic ability in ancient Armenian society and culture.
King Trdat III Arshakuni, also known as Tiridates III, ruled Armenia from 287-330 AD. He is known for his conversion to Christianity and declaring Armenia the first Christian state in the world. Historical accounts mention that Trdat III participated in the 265th Olympic Games in 281 AD, where he became the Olympic champion. However, it is important to note that these accounts may have some inconsistencies or exaggerations, as the ancient Olympics were officially discontinued in 393 AD due to the rise of Christianity.
Varazdat Arshakuni, a descendant of Trdat III, is another Armenian king who is said to have excelled in athletic competitions. He reportedly won the honorary title in boxing at the 291st Olympic Games in 385 AD. Varazdat’s achievements in sports, alongside his role as a ruler, demonstrate the cultural significance of physical strength and athleticism in ancient Armenian society.
While there might be some inconsistencies in historical accounts, these stories about Armenian kings participating in the ancient Olympic Games reflect the importance of sports and physical prowess in Armenian culture and history. They also highlight the connections between the different civilizations of the ancient world, as the Armenian kings engaged in competitions that transcended cultural and geographical boundaries.
The Kingdom of Ararat, also known as the Kingdom of Urartu or Van, was an Iron Age civilization that existed from the 9th to 6th centuries BC in the region surrounding Lake Van (Historical Armenia). The Urartian kings were known for their military prowess, and they often led their armies into battle themselves. As skilled archers, they played a vital role in the success of their troops during campaigns.
Cuneiform inscriptions found throughout the region provide valuable insights into the lives and achievements of these ancient kings. One such inscription, found on a stone near Lake Van, describes the remarkable archery skills of King Argishti, the son of Rusa:
“Argishti, the son of Rusa, shot an arrow in this place to the garden of Ishpilini, the son of Batu, at a distance of 950 cubits.”
Considering that 950 cubits are approximately 478 meters, this feat demonstrates the extraordinary skill and accuracy of Argishti as an archer. Such inscriptions not only highlight the importance of physical strength and military prowess in the Kingdom of Ararat but also underscore the significance of archery as both a practical skill and a symbol of royal authority.
The kings of the Kingdom of Ararat, or Urartu, were also known for their equestrian skills, as horses played a vital role in the military, transportation, and daily life of the ancient civilization. Horse riding was an essential skill for the kings, and their expertise was often celebrated in inscriptions and other historical records.
One such inscription, highlights the impressive equestrian skills of King Menua:
“From this place, the horse named Arsib, on which Menua was sitting, jumped 22 cubits.”
Given that 22 cubits are approximately 11.2 meters, this feat showcases the remarkable abilities of both King Menua as a rider and his horse, Arsib. The name Arsib, which translates to “eagle” (Artsiv in Armenian), reflects the horse’s exceptional agility and strength.
These inscriptions and historical accounts not only emphasize the importance of horse riding in the Kingdom of Ararat but also provide insights into the values and priorities of the ancient civilization. Equestrian skills were seen as a symbol of power and authority, and the exceptional abilities of the kings and their horses were celebrated as part of their royal heritage.
The stories of the Ararat kings and their horses, like Arsib, serve as a testament to the rich cultural history of the region and the various civilizations that have shaped its development over time.
King Varazdat (also spelled as Vrazdat or Varazdat Arshakuni) was an Armenian ruler who reigned from 374 to 378 AD over the Kingdom of Greater Armenia. He is indeed remembered as an exceptional athlete and a participant in the ancient Olympic Games in Greece.
According to the records of the renowned medieval Armenian historian Movses Khorenatsi, who wrote the “History of Armenia,” Varazdat took part in the Olympic Games prior to his reign. Khorenatsi’s account indicates that Varazdat competed in the boxing tournament and emerged as the champion. This accomplishment highlights the athletic prowess of Varazdat, as well as the significance of sports and physical strength in ancient Armenian society.
The participation of Armenian kings including those like Varazdat in the ancient sporting events is a testament to the rich cultural history and connections between different ancient civilizations. These stories of exceptional athletes from antiquity, have been passed down through generations and continue to inspire and inform our understanding of the past.
Vigen Avetisyan
