Not far from the southeastern part of the Van Sea lies a half-ruined fortress called Hayka-berd and the still-existing village of Astvatsashen (in Armenian, “built by God,” with “shen” meaning “to build”). The guardian of this entire region is the throne located on the island of Akhtamar.
The Catholicosate of Akhtamar
By “throne,” the Armenian historian Alishan refers to the Catholicosate of Akhtamar, whose bulls (kontakia) from ancient times state that “inspired by God, the Haykids built an impregnable fortress on a high mountain to protect against the enemy… And after Hayk, his descendants still remained in the fortress of the village of Astvatsashen.”
The Name Astvatsashen
The name Astvatsashen signifies its deep antiquity. In Christian times, such a name could not have existed, indicating the ancient origin of the name of the god Astvats. Alishan suggests that the name of the god Astvats likely expresses “the idea of war and bravery.” According to the Akhtamar bulla, the god Astvats showed Hayk a bow and arrow from heaven in a dream. Using these, Hayk destroyed the enemy, built an impregnable fortress, and named it Astvatsashen in gratitude.
Hayots Dzor and Surrounding Areas
In the area called Hayots Dzor, there are more than 40 Armenian villages that have preserved ancient Armenian names. Between the villages of Hayk and Astvatsashen stands a great monument, the fortress of Hayk, isolated on a mountain top. On the hill is the grave of Bel – Gerezmank (literally, the father of the bull-men). Near Van, there are areas named after Hayk, such as Haykavank (near the famous “door of Mher”). In the Zarasp or Zagros Mountains, near Mount Kelishin, there is a village called Hayk, mentioned even in Assyrian manuscripts.
Central Regions of Armenia
In the central regions of Armenia, such as the valley of the Aratsani River, there is Haykashen (built by Hayk). Hayk named this valley Harq, meaning “fathers” in Armenian, to show that the ancestors of the Armenians settled there. The German traveler Koch mentions that in this valley, now called Khnus, there is a village named Hayk.
Confirmation of Hayk’s Existence
All these material monuments give Alishan the right to assert: “I think that such a number of material monuments is enough to confirm the existence of Hayk and to verify his era and year” (Alishan. Ushik Hayreneatz Hayots, vol. I, 1869).
Rock Paintings and Ancient Connections
Rock paintings of Armenia testify that the Earth gave birth to the Moon in agony, a fact confirmed by modern scientists. The Saga of the Ynglings tells about the flood in the Ararat Mountains and the ancient connections between the Scandinavians and Armenians.
The legacy of Hayk, the descendant of Vahagn, is deeply embedded in the history and culture of Armenia, reflected in the numerous monuments, villages, and legends that bear his name.
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