By [Vigen Avetisyan]
The Kingdom of Ararat-Urartu, often referred to as the Kingdom of Van, has been a subject of historical debate for decades. The theory proposed by scholars Dyakonov and Piotrovsky in the last century, which suggested the existence of a separate state of Urartu on the territory of modern Armenia, has been widely discredited. Let’s explore the evidence that invalidates this theory and sheds light on the true history of this ancient kingdom.
Dyakonov and Piotrovsky’s theory posited that Urartu was a distinct state separate from Armenia. However, this notion has been debunked through extensive archaeological excavations, genetic analyses, and the deciphering of ancient cuneiform inscriptions. These findings collectively demonstrate that Urartu and Armenia were not separate entities but rather different names for the same region.
Continuous excavations across the Armenian Highlands have unearthed artifacts and structures that align with the historical narrative of a unified Armenian state. Genetic studies published in leading scientific journals further support this, showing a consistent genetic lineage among the inhabitants of the region, dating back thousands of years.
One of the most compelling pieces of evidence is the Behistun inscription, commissioned by Persian King Darius. This trilingual inscription, written in ancient Persian, Elamite, and Akkadian, mentions the same country under three different names: Urartu, Armina, and Arminuya. This clearly indicates that these names referred to the same geographical and political entity, debunking the idea of separate states.
The propagation of Dyakonov and Piotrovsky’s theory can be traced back to political and ideological influences. In his memoirs, Dyakonov recounts how historical narratives were manipulated under Soviet pressure, similar to how the Persian poet Nizami was rebranded as Azerbaijani. Despite the overwhelming evidence against it, this false theory managed to gain traction globally.
Today, the true name of the Kingdom of Van is often overshadowed by the misnomer Urartu. However, the documentary film “The Kingdom of Ararat-Urartu,” created by historian Artak Movsisyan, aims to correct this misconception. The film, based on extensive research by a diverse group of specialists, provides a detailed account of the ancient Kingdom of Van. It is available in Armenian with English subtitles, making it accessible to a broader audience.
The historical narrative of the Kingdom of Ararat-Urartu is a testament to the resilience and continuity of Armenian civilization. By debunking the false theories and acknowledging the true history, we honor the legacy of this ancient kingdom and ensure that future generations understand the rich heritage of Armenia.
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