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 …
In 252, Shapur I (the son and successor of the founder of the Sasanian state Ardashir I) invaded Armenia and enthroned pro-Persian Nakharar Artavazd Mandakuni (reigned in 252-262). He was the fifth and last Artavazd on the Armenian throne and bore the title “King of Great Armenians” (“Թագավոր Հայոց մեծաց”). Although made a king by …
Parthamasiris was not the grandest ruler in the history of Armenia – he occupied the Armenian throne for only twelve months and was unable to realize his state ambitions. Or maybe, he did not even have time to formulate a plan for the development of the country. In the first year of the reign of …
The “Armenian Carthage” – Artashat – lies 30 km southeast from Yerevan. The city was the fourth capital of Greater Armenia and was built by Hannibal himself – the main and sworn enemy of Rome. He founded the city on the proposal of Armenian King Artashes I. Here is what Plutarch and Strabo wrote about …
Ani was the capital of Armenia during the Bagratid dynasty. This ancient Armenian city was known as “the city of a thousand and one churches”. In 2016, Ani was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which implies some benefits related to protection and funding. Prior to being inscribed as a World Heritage Site, this …
Historian Ian Heath (born June 7, 1952) in his “Byzantine Armies, 886–1118” brings up one interesting thing – an illustration of the Armenian infantry on an ivory box. In the figure, the infantry is greeting its commander. Pay attention to the greeting gesture which is used in modern armies as well. At one time, the …
May the Georgian culinary specialists not be offended, but the Georgian churchkhela is not similar to what Armenians call “sharots.” Sharots has been made in Armenia in ancient times. This sweet’s cooking process has unique features that affect its taste. In order to find out what the basis of Armenian cuisine is, we will go …
Europa Nostra, a pan-European federation of associations that promote and protect the cultural heritage and natural environment of Europe, has shortlisted 14 European heritage sites for the “7 Most Endangered” program for 2020. The 8th-century Khoranashat Monastery located in the border village of Chinari, Tavush Province, Armenia, and the karas, a traditional Armenian clay pot …
The 5,000 years old Tigranakert walls in Historical Armenia (included in the UNESCO World Heritage List) are often targeted by thieves. The 5 kilometers long and 12 meters tall structure is a delight for tourists. Thieves are no less interested in this structure – ancient stones from the wall are being sold by them at …