The discovery of the Kingdom of Van, often referred to as Urartu, owes much to the revered manuscripts of Movses Khorenatsi, an Armenian historian. Khorenatsi documented the existence of this ancient kingdom, presenting it as inherently Armenian. His accounts provide not only historical insight but also cultural context that enhances our understanding of this civilization.
One of the most compelling stories recounted by Khorenatsi is that of the Assyrian queen Semiramis and her love for the Armenian prince Ara the Beautiful. Despite her passionate pursuit, Ara chose death over yielding to Semiramis’s desires. The queen, heartbroken by Ara’s demise, retreated to the southern regions, where she encountered the fertile lands surrounding Lake Van.
Inspired by the beauty of this land, Semiramis is said to have constructed a magnificent city near Lake Van. This city, adorned with wide streets, stone houses, public baths, orchards, vineyards, and an intricate network of irrigation canals, became a testament to her love for the region. The inner city was fortified with high walls and bronze gates, and at the city’s pinnacle, she built a secluded and luxurious royal palace. While many of these accounts stem from Khorenatsi’s chronicle, they paint a vivid picture of the grandeur that once characterized Van.
Khorenatsi’s chronicles also mention the Urartian king Aram, who is believed to be the historical counterpart of the legendary Ara the Beautiful. King Aram, ruling around 880–844 BC, lived during the same era as Semiramis. While historical records do not confirm an invasion of Armenia by Semiramis, Khorenatsi’s narratives offer a captivating glimpse into this period, suggesting that his knowledge extended beyond what contemporary sources might have recorded.
In the early 19th century, Movses Khorenatsi’s writings intrigued Western scholars, notably the French orientalist Jean Antoine Saint-Martin. This fascination led to the Asiatic Society’s support for an expedition to explore the “city of Queen Semiramis.” Friedrich Eduard Schulz, a young German professor, embarked on this mission in 1827, during the turbulent times of Russia’s war with Persia and Turkey.
Schulz’s journey to Van was perilous, yet he managed to gain access to the ancient fortress and discovered invaluable Urartian cuneiform inscriptions. His meticulous documentation of these inscriptions, comprising 42 copies, was later published by the Paris Asiatic Society. Tragically, Schulz’s life was cut short when he was murdered by Kurds in 1829, but his contributions remain a cornerstone in the study of Middle Eastern history.
The Kingdom of Van, as chronicled by Movses Khorenatsi, continues to captivate historians and scholars. Through the lens of both legend and historical analysis, we gain a deeper appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of Armenia and the enduring legacy of the Kingdom of Van. As we piece together the remnants of this ancient civilization, we honor the stories and the people who shaped its history.
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