Sarduri I – Formation of the United Armenian Kingdom of Van

In the 30s of the 9th century BC, dozens of principalities were mentioned on the territory of the Armenian Highland. Several important centers were formed, around which small state entities emerged. In the Ararat Valley and to the west, in the areas of the Tayk region, in the Lake Sevan basin, in Syunik and nearby areas, the Etiun Confederation was spreading.

The high development of the latter is evidenced by exceptional materials (weapons and armor, household items, figurines, jewelry, etc.) found during the excavations of Lchashen (western shore of Lake Sevan). In fact, this was the Ararat Kingdom of Haykazayan with its confederation.

In the northwestern regions of the highlands around Diaukhi (Tayk), another confederation was formed. The third large confederation was formed in the south, around Van, which formed the basis of the great Van Kingdom. In the 70-80s of the 9th century, instead of the Nairyan countries, one separate unified state formation of the Nairyans is mentioned in the south of the Armenian Highlands.

Around 830 BC, Sarduri I founded the capital Tushpa (Van, Tosp) (around 835-825 BC). In the record of the foundation of Tushpa, he calls himself “the king of the country of Nairi” and presents himself as the holder of a number of titles: “the great king, the powerful king, the king of the universe, the king of kings…”.

In Assyrian sources, the kingdom is called Urartu, and in local sources – Nairi and Biainili. The latter is associated with the name Van, which is why in science this kingdom is also known as the Van Kingdom.

In the Bible, it is mentioned under the name “Ararat Kingdom”. In addition to the names “Nairi”, “Urartu”, “Biaynili” and “Ararat”, it is also mentioned under the name “Kutik country”, which dates back to the 23rd-22nd centuries BC and continued during the reign of the Haykazun-Ervandids. In Assyrian sources, Sarduri I is mentioned only once in 833 BC in connection with the confrontation with the troops of Shalmaneser III. At this time, the Kingdom of Van extended not only in the basin of Lake Van, but also to the south of the Armenian Taurus, in the upper Tigris valley.

Sarduri I’s reign marked the beginning of the formation of a unified Armenian kingdom, laying the foundation for the powerful Van Kingdom that would dominate the region for centuries. His efforts in consolidating various principalities and establishing a central capital were crucial in shaping the political and cultural landscape of ancient Armenia.

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