The Ancient Kingdoms of Greater Armenia: A Historical Perspective

Many history books suggest that the Khurite (or Hayassa) tribes lived in the territory of Greater Armenia 4300 – 4200 years ago. However, this is a misconception. These were not tribes without names; they were Aryan Armenians who lived in the Great Armenian Kingdom throughout history.

Continuous Armenian Presence

Armenians have always lived in Armenia, and there is no need to invent other names for the inhabitants of this region. During the 13th-6th centuries BC, Greater Armenia was home to the Armenian kingdom of Behayna, which consisted of two parts: the Kingdom of Nairi and the Araratian Kingdom.

The Kingdom of Nairi

The Kingdom of Nairi, known from the 13th to the 9th centuries BCE, had its capital in the city of Van, founded around the 35th century BCE. This kingdom played a significant role in the region’s history and was a vital part of the Armenian heritage.

The Araratian Kingdom

The Araratian Kingdom, often mistakenly called “Urartu,” existed from a very ancient time and was prominent during the 9th-6th centuries BCE. Its capital city, Manazkert, was founded around the 25th century BC. In the 9th century BC, the Kingdom of Nairi was united with the Araratian Kingdom under the reign of King Aram (860-840 BC), with its capital in Van. This united Armenian state was called Behayna, meaning “Double state of Armenians” in Armenian.

Archaeological Evidence

The Araratian Kingdom is well-studied, particularly during the “Urartu” period. Numerous excavations in today’s Armenia have uncovered many ancient artifacts, including household utensils, dishes, jewelry, carts, weapons, dresses, and paints. These artifacts from the pre-Urartian, Urartian, and post-Urartian periods are consistent, indicating a continuous Armenian presence and culture.

The Founding of Yerevan

The modern capital of Armenia, Yerevan, was founded in 782 BC by King Argist I (Argishti) (788 – 764 BC). The old city-castle “Erbuni” was excavated and partially reconstructed in today’s Yerevan. A stone with cuneiform inscriptions by King Argist I was found, detailing the foundation of Erebuni – Yerevan:

“I, Argist, son of Menua, by the order of God Khaldi, founded this beautiful city, built for the strength of the country of Biaina …”. This inscription shows that the “Urartian” kings referred to their country as Biaina.

Conclusion

The historical narrative of Greater Armenia reveals a continuous and rich Armenian presence in the region. The kingdoms of Nairi and Ararat, united as Behayna, played significant roles in the region’s history. The archaeological evidence and historical records underscore the importance of recognizing the true Armenian heritage and its enduring legacy.

Artatsolum

Based on an excerpt from the book by Pris Herouni: “Armenians and Ancient Armenia”