According to Bianet, Turkish parliamentarian of Armenian descent Garo Paylan raised the issue of the situation of Surb Marinos Monastery. According to Paylan, the Armenian monastery of Surb Marinos in Van became ruins due to the lack of care and treasure hunters. “This monastery has been known since the 16th century. At that time, it …
According to ancient Armenian mythology, Vishap (“dragon” in Armenian) is a combination of several animals. In addition, Vishap had a human mind and was associated with the worship of water. Vishap had wings of a stork, the head of a bull, and the body of a snake. Sometimes, Vishap spewed out fire, like fire from …
Geologist Hovhannes Azizbekyan, a convinced follower of the theory that Karahunj was also an observatory, explained his opinion. According to him, Karahunj was one of the sacred temples of the ancient Armenian faith. And, like all the ancient temples of the Armenian Highlands, Karahunj was also a large scientific center and served as an observatory. …
Four copper maps authored by Gottfried Hensel were issued in Nuremberg in 1741. These maps clearly show the continents along with phrases in different languages, indicating the languages that were spoken in each area by native peoples. Gottfried Hensel was a German linguist in the field of comparative linguistics. He has worked as a rector …
Many people know that in 645 AD, after the capture of Armenia by the Arabs, the country became an emirate as part of the Arab Caliphate. I became interested in the division map of the Armenian Emirate in 750-885. It was divided into these provinces: Arran al-Arminiya (I). Gurjistan (Georgia) al-Arminiya (II). al-Arminiya (III). So …
As ArmInfo reports, in Armenia, archaeologists have discovered the remains of an aqueduct that supplied water to the ancient city of Artashat (Artaxata). According to experts, the aqueduct’s masonry and foundation date back to the 2nd century AD (ca. 114-117). The aqueduct was found near the ancient monastery of Khor Virap. The study of the …
It is not known exactly when ancient Armenians have celebrated the new year, but illustrations of cuneiform writings found in Armavir and Shengavit (some of which are presented in the photo below) indicate that they celebrated the new year with a theatrical performance around the Tree of Life. The Tree of Life in the Armenian …
In the first lecture from a short series on the history of Armenia and the Armenian Highlands, Dr. Christina Maranci brings us back to the origins of the region and quickly introduces us to the beginning of the Bronze Age in the context of archeology. The film provides a brief overview of the geography of …
Near the modern town of Armavir, the administrative center of Armavir Province, lie the ruins of ancient Armavir – the capital of the Kingdom of Ayrarat since 331 BC when the Orontid (Yervanduni) dynasty of Armenia restored the country’s independence. The city was the capital of Armenia until the 2nd century BC. In the Armenian …
Tmuk, Tmbuk, Tmogvi, or Tmkaberd was a medieval fortress on the left bank of the Kura River in the district of Upper Javakhk, Gugark Province, Greater Armenia. Currently, it is located in the Aspindza (Aspnyak) region of Georgia. The fortress occupies three hills and used to be surrounded by 150 meters long and 3 meters …
Starting at 8:17 in the video, you can see characters found in Bolivia similar to Armenian letters. These letters were made in 3,500 BC. This stone is now stored in a museum in Bolivia. Հայկական տառեր Բոլիվիայում
Khtskonk is a 9th-century medieval Armenian monastery near the village of Digor (formerly Tekor) in about 25 km from Ani (now in Turkey). It is now almost completely in ruins due to the action and inaction of the Turkish authorities. Organically combined with the surrounding mountain landscape, the monastery has been distinguished by artistic unity. …
The 3500 years old Hittite sarissa discovered in archaeological excavations in the Altinya region of Sebastia, Historical Armenia, has recorded history and secrets that have not yet been fully revealed – like many other fragments of cultural heritage in Historical Armenia. The first written agreement between the Hittites and Egyptians was concluded in this ancient …
The medieval Tavush Fortress (also often called Tslik Amram) is lying on the outskirts of the town of Berd, Tavush Province, Armenia. Historical sources mention that since the beginning of the 15th century, this fortress has served as the residence of the governors of the Armenian king Ashot the Iron. In the 10th-11th centuries, the …
The ancient Hittite city of Carchemish (near present-day Aintap, Cilicia) was the capital of a Hittite district and an important administrative center in the northern areas of Syria. In June 2019, it was announced that the city would soon open its doors to visitors as an archaeological reserve. Supervisor of archaeological excavations in Carchemish Dr. …
Samson Monastery (12th-13th centuries) is located in a wooded valley on the left bank of the Samson River, Tavush Province, Armenia. This monastery is an excellent example of medieval Armenian architecture. The monastic complex of Samson incorporates two churches, a dilapidated chapel, as well as the ruins of residential and auxiliary buildings. The main church …
Tapsaachi haya (“Talking rock”) is a sacred ancestral location for the Khakas people, as well as an entire complex of mythology, culture, and history. It was a place of spiritual and sacred attraction for many people living nearby. Mountain sacrifices were made there as well. At the sacrificial ceremonies, Khakas would ask for protection against …
The university in the Magnaura Palace in Constantinople reopened in the 9th century has been a remarkable phenomenon in the scientific life of Byzantium. The patron of the university was Vard Mamikonyan, brother of queen Irina. Byzantine Emperor Michael III (of Armenian descent) has appointed Vard the head of the Byzantine government. As historian Theophanes …