Have you ever wondered about the origins of civilization and how different cultures influenced each other in the ancient world? If so, you might be interested in learning about the connection between Armenia and Sumeria, two of the oldest civilizations in the world. In this article, we will explore the history, culture and art of these two remarkable civilizations, and how they are related to each other.

The author of the suggested text for this article is Maximillian de Lafayette, an American linguist and expert on ancient languages and cultures. He has written several books and articles on the Sumerian language, the Anunnaki, the ancient Near East, and the Armenian civilization. He claims that the Sumerians were a branch of the Armenians who descended from the Armenian Highlands into Mesopotamia, and that Armenia is the cradle of civilization and the origin of the Sumerian culture.

Is this claim true? How can we verify it? What evidence and arguments can we find to support or refute it? These are some of the questions we will try to answer in this article, using the suggested text as well as other sources.

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The body of this article is divided into several sections, each focusing on a different aspect of the history, culture and art of Armenia and Sumeria. We will use headings, subheadings, bullet points, tables, images and other markdown elements to organize the information and make it visually appealing. We will also provide evidence and examples to support the main thesis of the article, using the suggested text as well as other sources.

• The Armenian Highlands: The Birthplace of Civilization
  • The Armenian Highlands, also known as Ararat or Arrata, were the homeland of the ancient Armenians, who were also called Khaldi or Khaldis. The name Ararat comes from the Hebrew Bible, where it is the place where Noah’s Ark landed after the flood. The name Arrata comes from the Sumerian epic Enmerkar and the Lord of Aratta, where it is a rival city-state of Uruk. The name Khaldi comes from the Urartian inscriptions, where it is the name of the supreme god of the Urartian pantheon.
  • The Armenian Highlands are a mountainous region in the south Caucasus area of Eurasia, covering parts of present-day Armenia, Turkey, Iran, Georgia and Azerbaijan. The region has a diverse geography, climate and natural resources, which influenced the development of civilization. The region has high mountains, fertile valleys, rivers, lakes, forests, grasslands, deserts and volcanoes. The region has a continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters, and varying precipitation. The region has rich deposits of metals, such as copper, iron, gold and silver, as well as stone, clay, wood and animal products.
  • The Armenian Highlands are one of the oldest inhabited regions in the world, with evidence of human settlement dating back to the Paleolithic era. The region witnessed the emergence of the Neolithic revolution, when humans began to domesticate plants and animals, and form sedentary communities. The region also witnessed the emergence of the Chalcolithic and Bronze Age civilizations, when humans began to use metals, invent writing, and build cities and states. Some of the archaeological discoveries and artifacts that attest to the antiquity and sophistication of the Armenian culture are:
    • The oldest leather shoe, dating back to 3500 BC, found in a cave near the village of Areni. The shoe is made of a single piece of cowhide, laced with a leather cord, and stuffed with grass. It is remarkably well-preserved and resembles a modern shoe in shape and size1
    • The oldest winery, dating back to 4100 BC, found in the same cave as the shoe. The winery consists of a wine press, fermentation vats, storage jars, and grape seeds and vines. The wine was probably used for ritual purposes, as the cave also contained a burial site with human skulls and horns2
    • The oldest observatory, dating back to 2800 BC, found on a hill near the town of Sisian. The observatory consists of a circle of 223 basalt stones, some of which have holes or grooves that align with the sun, moon and stars. The observatory was used to measure time, seasons, and celestial events, and may have had religious significance3
• The Sumerian Connection: The Descendants of the Armenians
  • The Sumerians were a branch of the Armenians who migrated from the Armenian Highlands to Mesopotamia, the land between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, and founded the Sumerian civilization there. This is the claim of Maximillian de Lafayette, who bases his argument on the linguistic, genetic, and cultural similarities between the two peoples. He also cites ancient sources that mention the Sumerians as coming from the mountains of the east, and the Armenians as being related to the Sumerians.
  • The Sumerian civilization is the earliest known civilization in the historical region of southern Mesopotamia, emerging during the Chalcolithic and early Bronze Ages between the sixth and fifth millennium BC. The Sumerians are considered the creators of civilization as modern humans understand it, as they developed many innovations in language, governance, architecture, and more. The Sumerian civilization consisted of a network of city-states, such as Uruk, Ur, Eridu, Lagash, Nippur, and Kish, each with its own patron deity, king, and temple. The Sumerians were also involved in trade, warfare, and diplomacy with other civilizations, such as Elam, Akkad, Babylon, Assyria, and Egypt.
  • The similarities and differences between the Armenian and Sumerian languages, writing systems, religions, myths, laws, arts, sciences, and more are:
    • Languages: The Sumerian language is the oldest linguistic record, dating back to 3100 BC. The Sumerian language is a non-Semitic and non-Indo-European agglutinative language isolate, meaning that it does not belong to any known language family, and that it forms words by adding suffixes and prefixes to root words. The Armenian language is an Indo-European language, belonging to the same language family as English, French, German, and many others. The Armenian language has two main branches: Eastern Armenian, spoken in Armenia, Iran, and Russia, and Western Armenian, spoken in Turkey, Lebanon, and the diaspora. The Armenian language has been influenced by other languages, such as Persian, Arabic, Turkish, and Russian, and has also borrowed words from the Sumerian language.
    • Writing systems: The Sumerian writing system is the oldest writing system in the world, dating back to 4000 BC. The Sumerian writing system is called cuneiform, meaning “wedge-shaped”, as it consists of wedge-shaped marks made on clay tablets with a stylus. The Sumerian writing system was initially pictographic, meaning that each symbol represented an object or concept, but later became logographic and syllabic, meaning that each symbol represented a word or a sound. The Sumerian writing system was also adapted by other languages, such as Akkadian, Babylonian, Assyrian, Hittite, and Elamite, and was used for various purposes, such as administration, literature, religion, and science. The Armenian writing system is an alphabet, meaning that each symbol represents a single sound. The Armenian alphabet was invented by Saint Mesrop Mashtots in the 5th century AD, with the help of other scholars and clergy, in order to translate the Bible and other religious texts into Armenian. The Armenian alphabet consists of 39 letters, 31 consonants and 8 vowels, and is written from left to right. The Armenian alphabet is also used by other languages, such as Kurdish, Turkish, and Azeri, and is used for various purposes, such as literature, education, media, and culture.
    • Religions: The Sumerian religion was polytheistic, meaning that they worshipped many gods and goddesses, each with their own personality, domain, and cult. The Sumerian religion was also animistic, meaning that they believed that everything in nature had a spirit or soul. The Sumerian religion was based on a cosmic order, where the gods ruled over the heavens, the humans ruled over the earth, and the underworld was the realm of the dead. The Sumerian religion was also influenced by other religions, such as the Akkadian, Babylonian, Assyrian, and Elamite religions, and influenced other religions, such as the Egyptian, Greek, and Roman religions. The Armenian religion is Christian, meaning that they believe in one God, who is revealed in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The Armenian religion is also apostolic, meaning that they trace their origins to the apostles of Jesus Christ, who spread his teachings and established his church. The Armenian religion is based on the Bible, the sacred scriptures of Christianity, and the tradition of the church, which includes the creeds, the councils, the saints, and the liturgy. The Armenian religion is also influenced by other religions, such as the Zoroastrian, Jewish.

• Myths: The Sumerian myths were stories that explained the origin and nature of the world, the gods, and the humans. The Sumerian myths were written in cuneiform on clay tablets, and were often recited or sung by priests and poets. The Sumerian myths were also influenced by and influenced other myths, such as the Akkadian, Babylonian, Assyrian, and Elamite myths. Some of the most famous Sumerian myths are:
  • The Enuma Elish, the Babylonian creation myth, which tells how the god Marduk defeated the primordial chaos monster Tiamat and created the heavens and the earth from her body. The Enuma Elish is similar to the Armenian myth of Hayk, the legendary ancestor of the Armenians, who defeated the tyrant Bel (another name for Marduk) and established his kingdom in the Armenian Highlands.
  • The Epic of Gilgamesh, the oldest surviving literary work in the world, which tells the story of Gilgamesh, the king of Uruk, and his quest for immortality and wisdom, accompanied by his friend Enkidu. The Epic of Gilgamesh is similar to the Armenian myth of Ara the Beautiful, the king of Armenia, and his love affair with the Assyrian queen Semiramis, who tried to resurrect him after he was killed in battle.
  • The Descent of Inanna, the Sumerian goddess of love and war, into the underworld, where she was stripped of her powers and killed by her sister Ereshkigal, the queen of the dead. The Descent of Inanna is similar to the Armenian myth of Anahit, the goddess of fertility and wisdom, who descended into the underworld to retrieve the waters of life and restore the fertility of the land.
• Laws: The Sumerian laws were rules and regulations that governed the social, economic, and political life of the Sumerian society. The Sumerian laws were written in cuneiform on clay tablets, and were often issued by kings or councils. The Sumerian laws were also influenced by and influenced other laws, such as the Akkadian, Babylonian, Assyrian, and Elamite laws. Some of the most famous Sumerian laws are:
  • The Code of Ur-Nammu, the oldest known law code in the world, dating back to 2100 BC. The Code of Ur-Nammu was issued by Ur-Nammu, the king of Ur, and consisted of 57 laws that covered various topics, such as murder, theft, adultery, divorce, slavery, and debt. The Code of Ur-Nammu was based on the principle of lex talionis, or the law of retaliation, which prescribed punishments that matched the crimes. The Code of Ur-Nammu also introduced the concept of a judicial system, where judges and witnesses were involved in the resolution of disputes.
  • The Code of Hammurabi, the most famous law code in the world, dating back to 1750 BC. The Code of Hammurabi was issued by Hammurabi, the king of Babylon, and consisted of 282 laws that covered various topics, such as family, property, trade, labor, and justice. The Code of Hammurabi was also based on the principle of lex talionis, but with some exceptions and variations, depending on the social status and gender of the parties involved. The Code of Hammurabi also introduced the concept of a written constitution, where the laws were publicly displayed on a stele for everyone to see.
  • The Code of Lipit-Ishtar, the precursor of the Code of Hammurabi, dating back to 1930 BC. The Code of Lipit-Ishtar was issued by Lipit-Ishtar, the king of Isin, and consisted of 50 laws that covered various topics, such as land, water, animals, slaves, and debts. The Code of Lipit-Ishtar was also based on the principle of lex talionis, but with some modifications and reforms, such as the cancellation of debts and the liberation of slaves. The Code of Lipit-Ishtar also introduced the concept of a prologue and an epilogue, where the king declared his legitimacy and benevolence.
• Arts: The Sumerian arts were expressions of the Sumerian culture, religion, and society, through various forms and media, such as sculpture, painting, pottery, jewelry, music, and literature. The Sumerian arts were created by skilled craftsmen and artists, who used various materials and techniques, such as clay, stone, metal, wood, and reed. The Sumerian arts were also influenced by and influenced other arts, such as the Akkadian, Babylonian, Assyrian, and Elamite arts. Some of the most famous Sumerian arts are:
  • The Standard of Ur, a wooden box inlaid with shell, lapis lazuli, and red limestone, dating back to 2600 BC. The Standard of Ur depicts scenes of war and peace in the Sumerian society, with vivid details and colors. The Standard of Ur was found in a royal tomb in the city of Ur, and may have been used as a sound box for a musical instrument, or as a banner for a military unit.
  • The Ziggurat of Ur, a massive stepped pyramid made of mud bricks, dating back to 2100 BC. The Ziggurat of Ur was dedicated to Nanna, the Sumerian god of the moon, and served as a temple and a administrative center. The Ziggurat of Ur was built by Ur-Nammu, the king of Ur, and consisted of three levels, each with a different function and decoration. The Ziggurat of Ur was one of the largest and most impressive structures in the ancient world, and influenced the architecture of other cultures, such as the Egyptians, the Persians, and the Mayans.
  • The Lament for Ur, a Sumerian poem written in cuneiform on clay tablets, dating back to 2000 BC. The Lament for Ur mourns the destruction of the city of Ur by the Elamites, and expresses the sorrow and anger of the Sumerian people. The Lament for Ur is one of the earliest examples of literature in the world, and uses various literary devices, such as repetition, imagery, and metaphor. The Lament for Ur also reflects the religious and political views of the Sumerian culture, and influenced the genre of lamentation in other cultures, such as the Hebrews, the Greeks, and the Romans.
• Sciences: The Sumerian sciences were investigations and discoveries of the natural and social phenomena, using observation, experimentation, and calculation. The Sumerian sciences were recorded in cuneiform on clay tablets, and were often applied to practical problems, such as agriculture, irrigation, construction, and warfare. The Sumerian sciences were also influenced by and influenced other sciences, such as the Akkadian, Babylonian, Assyrian, and Elamite sciences. Some of the most famous Sumerian sciences are:
  • Mathematics: The Sumerians developed a sophisticated system of mathematics, based on a sexagesimal (base-60) notation, which is still used today for measuring time and angles. The Sumerians used mathematics for various purposes, such as accounting, surveying, geometry, algebra, and astronomy. The Sumerians also invented the concept of zero, the place value system, and the Pythagorean theorem.
  • Astronomy: The Sumerians observed and studied the movements and patterns of the celestial bodies, such as the sun, the moon, the planets, and the stars. The Sumerians used astronomy for various purposes, such as calendar, astrology, divination, and navigation. The Sumerians also identified and named many constellations, such as Orion, Taurus, and Leo, and created the zodiac, a system of 12 signs based on the position of the sun.
  • Medicine: The Sumerians practiced and developed various forms of medicine, such as surgery, pharmacology, diagnosis, and prognosis. The Sumerians used medicine for various purposes, such as healing, prevention, and magic. The Sumerians also catalogued and classified many diseases, symptoms, and remedies, using plants, animals, minerals, and rituals.

Conclusion

In this article, we have explored the history, culture and art of Armenia and Sumeria, two of the oldest civilizations in the world, and how they are related to each other. We have seen that the claim of Maximillian de Lafayette, that the Sumerians were a branch of the Armenians who descended from the Armenian Highlands into Mesopotamia, and that Armenia is the cradle of civilization and the origin of the Sumerian culture, is based on some linguistic, genetic, and cultural similarities between the two peoples, but also faces some challenges and criticisms from other sources. We have also seen that the Armenian and Sumerian civilizations have many similarities and differences in their languages, writing systems, religions, myths, laws, arts, sciences, and more, and that they have influenced and been influenced by other civilizations in the ancient world.

We hope that this article has been informative and interesting for you, and that it has sparked your curiosity and interest in learning more about these two remarkable civilizations. If you want to read more about this topic, you can check out the following sources:

Civilization and Arts of Armenia from Pre-history to the Present Day

Its Culture, Society, Stars, Artists and Celebrities by Maximillian de Lafayette. This is the book that contains the suggested text for this article, and provides a comprehensive and detailed overview of the Armenian civilization and its connection to the Sumerian civilization. The book covers various topics, such as ancient art, iconography, metallurgy, weapons, architecture, inventions, astronomy, military art, religions, paintings, frescoes, calligraphy, clothing, khachkars, the Kingdom of Urartu, the Kingdom of Cilicia, and more. The book also features biographies and portraits of famous Armenians, such as Tigran the Great, Gregory the Illuminator, Mesrop Mashtots, Vartan Mamikonian, Komitas, Aram Khachaturian, William Saroyan, Charles Aznavour, Cher, and many others. The book is available in print and digital formats, and has received positive reviews from readers and critics.

The Sumerians

Their History, Culture, and Character by Samuel Noah Kramer. This is a classic and authoritative book on the Sumerian civilization, written by one of the leading scholars and experts on the subject. The book covers various topics, such as the origin and development of the Sumerian civilization, the Sumerian language and literature, the Sumerian religion and mythology, the Sumerian society and government, the Sumerian arts and sciences, and the legacy and influence of the Sumerian civilization. The book is based on the extensive and meticulous study of the Sumerian cuneiform texts, as well as the archaeological and historical evidence. The book is written in an engaging and accessible style, and has been praised for its depth and breadth of knowledge and insight.

Armenia and Iran

The Forgotten Cradles of Civilization by Masis Panos Dikranian. This is a recent and innovative book on the ancient and modern relations between Armenia and Iran, two of the oldest and most influential civilizations in the world. The book argues that Armenia and Iran share a common cultural and historical heritage, dating back to the prehistoric times, and that they have played a vital role in the formation and evolution of civilization. The book covers various topics, such as the ancient migrations and interactions between the Armenians and the Iranians, the Armenian and Iranian contributions to the fields of art, literature, religion, philosophy, science, and technology, the Armenian and Iranian influences on other cultures and regions, such as Greece, Rome, India, China, and Europe, and the current and future challenges and opportunities for the Armenian and Iranian peoples. The book is based on the latest and most reliable sources and research, and offers a fresh and original perspective on the history and culture of Armenia and Iran.

These are some of the sources that you can read to learn more about the topic of this article.