In Ancient Armenia, two deities of writing were worshiped

Celebrating the Legacy of Tigran the Great: Armenia’s 2150th Anniversary Commemoration

In 2010, Armenia celebrated the 2150th anniversary of the reign of Tigran the Great, one of the most illustrious kings in Armenian history. To mark this significant event, the History Department of Yerevan State University organized a three-day screening of popular science films that explored Armenia’s rich history and cultural heritage, particularly during the era of Tigran the Great.

The Screening of “From Rock Paintings to the Alphabet”

On May 13, the film “From Rock Paintings to the Alphabet” was screened. Before the screening, Artak Movsesyan, Associate Professor of the Department of History of Armenia and the film’s author, delivered a lecture on the development of writing during Tigran the Great’s time. He also discussed Armenian hieroglyphs and the contributions of Mesrop Mashtots, who created the alphabet for Armenians, Georgians, and Albanians. Most of the film was shot in Western Armenia, providing a vivid backdrop for the historical narrative.

The Deities of Writing in Ancient Armenia

Movsesyan highlighted that ancient Armenia was unique in having two deities associated with writing. Tork Angekh, an older pagan god, was believed to have drawn signs on stones with his nails. Before Christianity became the state religion, Tir was considered the god of writing. According to myth, Tir had the gift of foresight and decided people’s fates by writing their names in the book of death.

Armenian Hieroglyphs and the Evolution of Writing

There is substantial evidence confirming the existence of Armenian hieroglyphs used by ancient Armenians. Over time, they transitioned to a more convenient Aramaic alphabet adapted to the Armenian language. These letters reappeared in Armenian manuscripts of the 11th-12th centuries. Once the threat of returning to paganism had passed, people began using hieroglyphs again for short notes.

The Importance of Writing

Movsesyan emphasized the critical role of writing in transmitting information across distances and through time. Writing allows us to learn about the past and understand the cultural and historical context of ancient civilizations.

Conclusion

The 2150th anniversary of Tigran the Great’s reign was a momentous occasion for Armenia, celebrating the enduring legacy of one of its greatest kings. The events organized by Yerevan State University, including the screening of “From Rock Paintings to the Alphabet,” provided valuable insights into Armenia’s rich history and the evolution of writing. These commemorations serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving and understanding our cultural heritage.