Armenia on Ancient Maps

Maps, along with accompanying studies and descriptions, are invaluable historical evidence. They facilitate the understanding of the political evolution of both the ancient and modern worlds, reflecting international relations during various developmental phases of states.

The book Armenia in World Cartography was republished at the initiative of His Eminence Archbishop Ezras Nersisyan, head of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church’s Russian and New Nakhichevan Diocese.

Fig. 1: This map, titled Asia Minor, Armenia, Circassia, Syria, was created by the Danish cartographer Conrad Malte-Brun (1775–1826), who lived in Paris. It originates from his General Atlas, published in the French capital in 1812.

The map depicts Armenia within its historical boundaries, complete with provincial names. The depiction of Lake Van and Lake Urmia is remarkably accurate, while Atropatene is shown on the southern shore of the Arax River within Media’s (Marastan or Persia’s) borders. The map contains a number of topographic details.

Dimensions: 20 cm x 22 cm. Private Collection, London.

Fig. 2: This watercolor painting of Etchmiadzin was created by British artist Sir Robert Ker Porter (1777–1842), who traveled across the Caucasus, Persia, and Mesopotamia from 1817 to 1820.

During this period, he compiled a collection of drawings and sketches titled Memoirs, Maps, Plans, Views, and Other Interesting Drawings of the Caucasus, Persia, and Babylon.

The collection includes sketches and watercolor drawings of various regions. Its centerpiece consists of sketches of Isfahan and Persepolis, with Armenian locales such as Etchmiadzin, Yerevan, Garni, Geghard, and Mount Ararat depicted in watercolors.

The watercolor of Etchmiadzin features the Cathedral and its fortress walls, with St. Gayane Church visible behind them. The painting showcases both Mount Aragats and Mount Masis (Greater and Lesser Ararat).

Fig. 3: The first atlas published in the Armenian language is titled Ashkharhatsuyts (World Map) Based on Data from Court Geographers of France, England, Germany, and Russia.

Engraved using funds provided by Ioann Amir Datsyan, Venice, 1849 (St. Lazarus). The atlas was engraved in Paris and published by the Armenian Mekhitarist Congregation of St. Lazarus Island, Venice.

The atlas includes ten maps, such as the Solar System, the continents, the Ottoman Empire, and Armenia. Additionally, it contains detailed texts in the Armenian language. This is the first Armenian atlas to feature both text and maps.

The maps in the atlas are skillfully drawn, engraved, and colored, rivaling the atlases of other European cartographers.

The penultimate map in the atlas depicts the Ottoman Empire with its contemporary boundaries. It is a large map filled with detailed information.

Dimensions: 90 cm x 60 cm. British Library, London. Also in Private Collection, London.

Fig. 4: This map from the Ashkharhatsuyts (World Map) Based on Data from Court Geographers of France, England, Germany, and Russia, engraved using funds from Ioann Amir Datsyan, Venice, 1849 (St. Lazarus).

The final map in the atlas represents Armenia within its medieval boundaries. It is large, detailed, and colorful, providing extensive information on Armenian regions.

Dimensions: 90 cm x 60 cm. British Library, London. Also in Private Collection, London.

by Ruben Galchyan

Artatsolum