Greater Armenia in the 10th-5th Millennia BC: A Cradle of Civilization

In the period of the 10th-5th millennia BC, Greater Armenia stood as a beacon of civilization. It was a time when Armenians were a unified, advanced nation with a rich culture, profound knowledge, and a developed alphabet. This era marked the prominence of Greater Armenia as the only state, alongside other Armenian kingdoms, in the ancient world.

Geographical Extent

Greater Armenia’s vast territories stretched between the Black and Caspian Seas, encompassing both sides of the Kur (Kura) River. It included regions around the Ararat and Aragats Mountains, Lakes Sevan, Van, and Urmia, and extended throughout the Armenian Highlands and Mesopotamia, including the Kingdom of Edessa.

Armenian Kingdoms

In addition to Greater Armenia, other Armenian kingdoms flourished in Cilicia, Phoenicia, Asia Minor, and Mesopotamia. These kingdoms collectively contributed to the rich tapestry of Armenian civilization.

Historical Insights

A. Gilbert’s Perspective

The English historian A. Gilbert noted that Greater Armenia’s existence predated the construction of the pyramids and the journey of Abraham’s ancestor from Chaldean Ur (Armenian Ar). Gilbert also mentioned that Hebron was an Indo-European homeland, the origin of Persians and Europeans, who had established dynasties of kings. It is suggested that Gilbert might have been alluding to the Armenian nation.

M. Rimschneider’s Observations

German historian M. Rimschneider asserted that Greek culture was heavily influenced by the civilizations of Cilicia, Phoenicia, the Hittites, and the Chaldeans, who were inhabitants of the Ararat Kingdom. This highlights the significant cultural contributions of the Armenian people.

The Armenian Influence

Formation of Other Civilizations

In the 3rd millennium BC and beyond, Armenians played a crucial role in the formation of other civilizations, including those in Sumer, Egypt, Babylon, and Iran. The Armenians were known for their noble, intelligent, and kind nature, devoid of aggressive or imperialistic ambitions. Their mission was to civilize surrounding tribes and regions.

Contributions to Global Civilization

Armenians traveled to various countries, aiding local tribes in forming states. Their influence extended to Egypt, Sumer, Babylon, Ethiopia, India, Central Asia, and beyond. Despite their peaceful nature, Armenians heroically defended their homeland against numerous adversaries, often with fewer resources.

Greater Armenia in the 10th-5th millennia BC was a cradle of civilization, marked by its advanced culture and significant contributions to the development of other ancient civilizations. The Armenians’ legacy of nobility, intelligence, and kindness continues to inspire and resonate through history.

Artatsolum

Based on the book by Paris Herouni “Armenians and Ancient Armenia”