ARMENIAN HISTORY 6TH GRADE

Transcription

1 ARMENIAN HISTORY 6TH GRADE ARMENIAN GENERAL BENEVOLENT UNION MANOOGIAN-DEMIRDJIAN SCHOOL CANOGA PARK, CALIFORNIA This book belongs to the five-part 100+ Program central to the Armenian curriculum at AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian School. At the end of the school year, students will have an exam based on knowledge acquired from this program. The 100+ Program was completed in July 2016 in Los Angeles at the AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian School, and translated into English in July The books were created by Mrs. Maral Voskian, Mrs. Sevan Boghos-Deirbadrossian, Mr. Hovhannes Gumruyan, Mr. Hratch Sepetjian, and Mr. Raffi Joe Wartanian (translator). 1

2 PART A ARMENIAN GEOGRAPHY 1. Borders and Features In this lesson, we will learn about Armenia s natural features: mountains, rivers, plains, lakes, climate, agriculture, and natural resources. We will also learn about Historical Armenia. The Armenian homeland is located in the Armenian Highlands where Armenian people have lived for thousands of years, generating a vibrant history and culture. The term Historic Armenia refers to the land where Armenians lived for approximately 5,000 years. There, the Armenians established a state and fought for their freedom and independence. Historic Armenia is located between three important seas: the Black Sea, the Caspian Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea. 2. The Mountains Armenia is considered a highland because it is abundant in high-altitude mountains as high as 5,000 feet above sea-level. There used to be many volcanos in the region, and today earthquakes are often felt in Armenia. Armenian dance is considered one of the most important features of the Armenia heritage. Mount Ararat, comprised of Medz Masis ( large Masis) and Pokr Masis (small Masis), is Armenia s tallest mountain at 17,000 feet above sea-level. The Bible states that Noah s Ark landed on Mount Ararat after the flood. Mount Aragats is Armenia s second tallest mountain and boasts four distinct and rocky summits. Mount Aragats is the tallest peak in today s Republic of Armenia and supplies hundreds of creeks and brooks which nourish the country s population and agricultural activities. Other important mountains include Mount Sipan and Mount Nemrut which, like Mount Ararat, are currently in the Republic of Turkey. 1. What is Historic Armenia? 2. Between which seas is Historic Armenia located? 2

3 3. Why is Armenia considered a highland? 4. What are Historic Armenia s four most significant mountains? Where are each of these mountains currently located? 3. Rivers As a mountainous and high-altitude nation, the Republic of Armenia supports many important rivers in countries throughout the region. The two primary rivers in the region are the Euphrates River and Tigris River which flow to modern day Syria and Iran. The Arax River, often referred to as Mother Arax due to its importance, flows from the west to the east of the country. It starts in Turkey and flows into Armenia, connecting with the Akhurian River and the Hrazdan (or Zangu) River. Starting in Lake Sevan, the Hrazdan River has a hydropower station that distributes electricity to the local population. 4. Lakes Lake Sevan, Lake Van, and Lake Urmia are Armenia s three most important lakes. Surrounded by many mountains, Lake Sevan is perched at 6,300 feet above sea-level and enjoys clear waters and the famous Ishkhan trout. For many years, Lake Sevan s water levels regularly declined. To help resolve this problem, the Arax River was rerouted to flow into Lake Sevan and preserve normal water levels. Located in modern day Turkey, Lake Van is a saltwater lake around which Armenians created their very first state during the Urartu or Ararat Kingdom with the city of Van as its capital. Within Lake Van is Aghtamar Island where the impressive 10th century Sourp Khatch (Holy Cross) Church complex is located. Located in Iran, Lake Urmia is also a saltwater lake. Fish cannot survive in its waters due to the saltiness. 1. Which are Armenia s most important rivers? Describe them. 2. What are Armenia s three most important lakes? Describe them. 5. Plains Ararat and Shirak are the main plains of Armenia. The Ararat plain is the largest plain, stretching between Mount Ararat and Mount Aragatz. The capital Yerevan; the historic capitals of Armavir, Aradashad, Dvin, and Vagharshapat; and the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin are all located in the plain. 3

4 The Shirak plain is located in present day Armenia s northwestern region around the cities of Gyumri, Ani, and Kars. 6. Climate Mountainous Armenia is located in a temperate belt. Armenia enjoys all four seasons with hot summers and cold, snowy winters. Rain is frequent during the fall, and the spring is pleasant. Apricot, grape, pomegranate, peach, cherry, plum, pear, apple, and wheat are all famous fruits in Armenia. 1. Identify the famous plains of Armenia, and describe what you know about them. 2. Describe Armenia s climate during the four seasons. 3. Which fruits are famous in Armenia? 7. Natural Resources Full of mountains and volcanos, Armenia enjoys an abundance of naturally occurring minerals. There are many types of rocks, the most famous of which is the tuf stone used in the construction of Armenia s palaces, temples, fortresses, and castles. Armenia also enjoys an abundance of naturally occurring mineral waters full of health benefits. Important forests include the forests of Khosrov, Artsakh, Syunik, and northern Armenia. Of historical importance are scarlet-colored insects used to prepare red paint. 8. Location and Administrative Divisions Historic Armenia is located between Asia and Europe. One of the world s most important roads passed through Armenia. Historic Armenia was divided into two major sections: Greater Hayk and Lesser Hayk (Greater Armenia and Lesser Armenia). Lesser Armenia fell to the control of non-armenians much earlier. Greater Armenia was divided into 15 states including Ararat, Syunik, Artsakh, Vasburakan, Daron, Aghtzink, etc. Today, Armenia is one-tenth (1/10th) the size of Historical Armenia. Thanks to its geographic location, Armenia maintained close ties with the Middle East, the Far East, and Europe. 4

5 1. What kinds of natural resources does Armenia have? 2. Where is Historic Armenia located? 3. Name 6 of Historic Armenia s 15 states. PART B THE ORIGINS OF THE ARMENIAN PEOPLE 1. The First Residents During the Stone Age, people lived in the mountainous region of Armenia (from 400,000 B.C. to 7,000 B.C.). These people utilized rocks to create tools, many of which have been discovered in Armenia. Cave drawings have been discovered in this region which, along with the tools, indicate that these people began cultivating the soil and settling the land in one region for 10,000 to 12,000 years. During the New Stone Age (Neolithic Era) and Bronze Age (7,000 B.C. to 3,200 B.C.), Armenia s forebearers developed stone and metal for tools, weapons, jewelry, and cultivating the land. 1. Since when have people lived on Armenian soil, and what type of tools did they use? 2. What are cave drawings? 3. When was the Bronze Age? 2. The Formation of the Armenian People The kings of Armenia s neighboring nations, particularly the Assyrians and Babylonians, left behind a written record revealing insights into the Armenian people. The Bible refers to the Armenians as the nation of Ararat. In mountainous Armenia during the 15 th through 13 th centuries B.C., various tribal groups such as the Hayasa-Azzi, Arme-Shupria, and Nayiri merged to form what is known today as the Armenian people. These tribal groups were also close with the Hittites who are also considered the predecessors to the Armenians. Historians believe that the name Hay derives from the name Hayasa. With these groups intermixing and uniting, a singular state was established in Armenia during the Ararat (or Urartu) Kingdom in the 9 th century B.C. 5

6 The prominent historian Movses Khorenatzi wrote that, in accordance with legend, Hayk Nahapet was an ancestor of the Armenian people. His name inspired calling Armenians Hay, and the Armenian nation Hayastan, meaning the nation of Armenians. Neighboring nations referred to the Armenian people s predecessors as Armen and the nation as Armenia. 1. From which of Armenia s neighbors is there a written, historical record about the Armenians? 2. Where else is Armenia written about? 3. Which tribal groups intermingled to form the Armenian people? PART C THE KINGDOM OF ARARAT 1. Urartu: the First State of Armenia The Kingdom of Urartu (or Ararat) was established in the 9 th century B.C. and endured until the 6 th century A.D. It originated in the city of Van and stretched throughout Armenia. Urartu s greatest competitor at that time was Assyria where approximately 400 written records about Armenians were found. King Arame founded the Kingdom of Urartu. His most prominent successors included King Rousa, King Sarturi, and King Arkishti who all helped strengthen Urartu s army and economy. Construction boomed during these centuries with the completion of fortresses, castles, canals, and temples. For example, the canals of Van have been used for 3,000 years. Van, the capital city of the Kingdom of Urartu (or Ararat), became an important center for politics, culture, and commerce. In 782 B.C., King Arkishti commissioned the establishment of a new fortress-city called Erebuni which is located near Yerevan. 1. When was Armenia s first state established, and what was it called? What was its capital? 2. Who were the first state s most prominent kings, and what did they build? 3. In 782 B.C., for what action did King Arkishti become noteworthy? 6

7 2. The End of the Urartu Kingdom During the Urartu Kingdom, Armenia became an important center for trade from all corners of the world, advancing in metallic tools for production and cultivating farmland. Assyria, Armenia s chief opponent, wanted to conquer Armenia. Wars frequently took place between the two neighboring nations. According to history, kings including Hayk, Aram, Ara the Beautiful, and others fought courageously against neighboring nations. Like all powers, Urartu eventually weakened and ultimately ended in 620 B.C. 1. Who was Armenia s chief opponent during these years, and what did they want? 2. What does history tell us about this period? Which Armenian kings fought bravely against combative neighbors? 3. When did the Armenian Kingdom of Urartu end? PART D ORONTID DYNASTY 1. The Orontid Dynasty and the Mari After the Armenian Kingdom of Urartu, Armenia rose to prominence thanks to the efforts of a courageous prince named Yervand. At the beginning of the 7th century B.C., the Assyrian Empire weakened after a series of battles with its neighbors. During this period, Armenian Prince Barouyr helped the Mari Kingdom successfully invade Nineve, Assyria s capital city. The Mari Kingdom sent a crown to Prince Barouyr, an act representing the official recognition of Armenia s independence and of Barouyr as King. The Mari Kingdom was located south of Lake Urmia in modern day northern Iran. During the 6th century B.C., the Mari were considered the region s strongest kingdom. They helped Armenians gain freedom and in the year 530, the brave and wise Prince Yervand of the Orontid Dynasty established an independent kingdom. With its capital city Armavir, the Orontid Dynasty governed Armenia through a period of peace. It was during these years that the famous Behistun inscription showed the first known written mention of Armenia in the year 521 B.C. 7

8 1. Who was Barouyr, and how did he become Armenia s King? 2. Describe the establishment of the Orontid Dynasty. 2. The Orontid Dynasty and Alexander the Great By the end of the 4th century B.C., Alexander the Great from the ancient Greek kingdom of Macedon rose to prominence on the world stage. In a short period of time, he managed to conquer territories stretching from Greece to India to northern Africa. He reached Armenia, but did not conquer it. Instead, Alexander the Great and King Yervant III forged a friendship, helping Armenia maintain its own strength. Alexander the Great died at a young age. Following his death, his kingdom was divided among his commanders. Armenia fell into the borders overseen by Prince Seleucus. For some 100 years, the Orontid Dynasty maintained semi-autonomy until the year 190 B.C. 1. Who was Alexander the Great, where did he conquer, and what kind of relationship did he have with Armenia? 2. How long was the Orontid Dynasty able to withstand Alexander the Great? PART E THE ARDESHESIAN DYNASTY 1. Ardashes I In the 2nd century B.C., the Roman Empire became the world s superpower stretching from Europe to Armenia to Africa. During this time, the ruler of Armenia was Prince Ardashes, a skilled soldier and experienced political figure. The Seleucids had weakened in Armenia and in 189 B.C. Armenia declared itself an independent state. Ardashes was intelligent. He married Satenig, daughter of the king of the Alans (located to the north), which guaranteed peace in the region. King Ardashes most significant work occurred in maintaining the Armenian language. He required all to learn the Armenian language and pagan rituals which made the Armenian people unified in customs and language. 8

9 Ardashes also divided Armenia into regions and states. Ardashes established Ardashad as the new capital of Armenia near the Arax River and Mount Ararat. Ardashad soon became Armenia s political, cultural, and spiritual center. Arts, crafts, mercantilism, and trade all blossomed. The historian Movses Khorenatsi heralded King Ardashes achievements. 1. Who was Ardashes and how did he manage to establish a new Armenian state? 2. Who did Ardashes marry? 3. How did Ardashes establish a single language and single religion in Armenia? 4. What do you know about the city of Ardashad? 5. What did the historian Movses Khorenatsi think of King Ardashes? 2. Tigran the Great A second renowned king of Armenia was Tigran II, also known as Tigran the Great. During his rule, Armenia became, for a short period, the strongest nation in the region (from 95 to 55 B.C.). During this time, the Parthian Empire of Iran had also considerably strengthened. Tigran the Great organized and reinforced the Armenian army. He also forged an alliance with King Mithridates of Parthia, Armenia s northwestern neighbor. This alliance stated that the two nations would militarily defend each other against enemies. With the assistance of King Mithridates, Tigran the Great conquered new territories including Cilicia, Phoenicia, and Palestine. Tigran the Great s kingdom became an empire with borders stretching from the Caspian Sea in the east to the Mediterranean Sea in the west, and from the Caucasus Mountains in the north to most of Mesopotamia in the south. Tigran the Great was referred to as king of kings, a moniker inscribed on coins that depicted him. During the reign of Tigran the Great, Armenia dramatically improved its agriculture, land cultivation, crafts, trade, and construction. Tigran the Great led the construction of the city of Dikranagerd which became his capital, spurring the creation of roads and bridges which benefited Armenian culture and trade equal in quality to other nearby civilizations including Iran, Greece, and Rome. Armenia cultivated wheat, wine, horses, metals, carmine red paint, and silver coins with Tigran image used for the purposes of trade with other nations. 9

10 1. How did Tigran the Great strengthen Armenia and become the king of kings? 2. During the reign of Tigran the Great, what specific aspects of life strengthened for the Armenians? 3. Describe the city of Dikranagerd. 3. Tigran the Great and the Roman Republic The Roman Republic opposed the success of Tigran the Great and King Mithridates. The Romans wanted to expand into the Middle East, and thus sent General Lucius who defeated King Mithridates and approached the Armenian capital of Dikranagerd. At this time, Tigran the Great was in Palestine and could not assemble an army to defend against the advancing Romans who entered Dikranagerd. But one year later, the Armenian army achieved a notable victory near the city of Ardashad and drove the Roman General Lucius out of Armenia. Afterwards, the Roman Republic sent a military leader named Pompey with a larger army. Pompey defeated King Mithridates and approached the city of Ardashad. After seeing how dangerous and large the Roman army was, Tigran the Great asked for reconciliation with the Romans. Not wanting to make enemies of the strong Armenian nation, the Romans agreed to reconciliation. Thus, a treaty was signed in 66 B.C. in the city of Ardashad which stated: a. Tigran the Great had to pay a military fine to Rome. b. Tigran the Great would return the lands he had conquered. c. Tigran the Great would remain a friend and ally to Rome, and would maintain the title King of Kings. For the next 10 years, Tigran the Great led Armenia through a period of peace until his death in 55 B.C. His death marked the end of a 40-year period in which Armenia had reached the height of its power. 1. How did the Romans respond after seeing Armenia s successes? Who did they send to Armenia? 2. Which General did the Romans send to Armenia for a second time? What did Tigran the Great ask for from Rome? 3. What three things were stated by the treaty signed between Armenia and Rome? 10

11 4. Ardavazt II (55-34) Tigran the Great died in his old age and was succeeded by his youngest son Ardavazt II, an educated and refined individual who wrote musical theater in Greek. During his 21-year rule, he invested in developing education and the arts, particularly theater. His writings were performed at the theater in Ardashad. Ardavazt was a king who pursued peace. He always tried to maintain friendship with the Roman Empire and the State of Parthia. A familial bond was also established with the Parthians when Ardavazt s sister married the son of the Parthian king. During this period, the two Roman generals Crassus and Antony fought against the Parthians. The Armenians were geographically caught between the two, and by joining with the Parthians, defeated the Roman armies. General Antony insisted that Tigranes the Great unite the Armenian army with the Roman army and attack the Parthians. General Antony and the well-known Queen Cleopatra ruled over Egypt. King Ardavazt advised General Antony to not attack the Parthians because he would lose. Antony disregarded this advice and attacked. Antony blamed Ardavazt for his defeat because Ardavazt refused to support the Roman military s campaign. Antony had Ardavazt and his entire family arrested, handcuffed, and sent to Egypt. They offered to set him and his family free if he submitted before Queen Cleopatra. But the patriotic and proud Armenian king refused to submit to Queen Cleopatra. General Antony and Queen Cleopatra thus ordered the execution of King Ardavazt. 1. How was King Ardavazt different from other Armenian kings? 2. Describe the relationship King Ardavazt had with the Parthians and with the Romans. 3. What kind of relationship did General Antony have with King Ardavazt? 5. The End of the Ardeshesian Dynasty Following the death of King Ardavazt, the Armenian people fought against the Romans and rejected their authority. The Armenians instead declared as their king the son of Ardavazt II: Ardashes II. History repeated itself. In the year 20 B.C., the Roman emperor Augustus sent his forces to invade Armenia, and King Ardashes II was killed. The Armenians tried to fight back against the Roman forces, but they began to weaken. 11

12 In the year 1 A.D., the Romans ended the Ardeshsesian Dynasty but could not consolidate Armenia into a single state belonging to their empire. The Romans could not silence the Armenian people s desire for independence. For the next 60 years, the Romans placed Armenian kings to rule over Armenia, but the Armenian people opposed these placements and demanded independence until the establishment of the Arshaguni dynasty in the year 66 A.D. 1. How did the Ardeshesian Dynasty start to weaken? 2. Describe Armenia s circumstances from the years 1 to 66 A.D. PART F ARMENIAN PAGAN CULTURE 1. Armenian Culture In his book Armenian History, the 5th century historian Movses Khorenatsi wrote about the origins of the Armenian people until his present day. He also wrote about mythology which indicates that even then, the Armenian people desired freedom. Legendary figures of Armenian mythology included Hayk, Aram, Tork Angegh, Ara the Beautiful, Dikran Yervantian, and Vahagn. Epic stories constitute one important pillar of Armenian history. The Armenians of antiquity (ancient history) were pagans, which means they believed in multiple gods. The Armenians also had pagan neighbors in Assyria, Iran, Greece, the Roman Empire, and elsewhere. The main gods for Armenians during pagan times were Aramazt, Anahid, Vahagn, and Asdghig. Aramazt was the king of the pagan gods as well as the creator and ruler of the sky and the earth. Anahid was the daughter of Aramazt. She was worshipped as the goddess of motherhood, goodness, and fertility. Vahagn was considered the god of war, hunting, heroism, and courage. Before going to war, Armenian soldiers would ask him for courage and victory. Asdghig was considered the goddess of love and beauty. The spiritual leaders of the pagan Armenians were priests who had important influence on the state and the people. 12

13 1. Who were the legendary figures of Armenian mythology written about by the 5th century historian Movses Khorenatsi? 2. What was the name of the religion for the Armenians of antiquity, and what were the names of the gods they worshipped? 3. Describe what each god or goddess represented: Aramazt, Anahid, Vahagn, and Asdghig. 2. Hellenistic Culture in Armenia When Alexander the Great conquered eastern territories, he also expanded the influence of Hellenistic culture. Hellenism refers to the Golden Age of Greek culture (5th century B.C.) which the Greeks spread during the reign of Alexander the Great. By taking control of the cities that Alexander the Great created or conquered, the Greeks imposed their culture upon local non-greek communities while also acquiring cultural characteristics of those local non-greek communities. This new culture was referred to as Hellenistic culture. Fond of the Greek literature and art they encountered, the Armenian people integrated with this external influence, bringing forth Hellenistic cultural elements in Armenia. For example: a. The use of Greek letters Before the creation of the Armenian alphabet in 405 A.D., Armenians used the Aramaic alphabet, then the Greek alphabet. They also used Latin letters. Armenian kings signed documents with Greek letters (on money and the pagan Temple of Garni), and King Ardavazt II wrote his musical theater works in Greek. In the cities of Ardashad and Dikranagerd, musical theater works were presented in Greek. b. Architecture Buildings surrounded by columns, another result of Hellenistic cultural influence, spread around Armenia, including the Temple of Garni. c. Sculpture, murals, and mosaics Abundant with natural stone and rock, Armenia enjoyed a tradition of sculpture for many centuries. Under the influence of Hellenism, statues of pagan gods and goddesses began to resemble Greek sculptures. Inside buildings, colorful wall decorations known as murals began to spread throughout Armenia. Colorful decorations on the ground known as mosaics also began to spread 13

14 throughout Armenia. These decorations were made to resemble pagan gods and goddesses as well as beautiful elements from plant and animal life. d. Fine Arts In the cities of Ardashad, Armavir, Tveen, and the archaeological excavations at Garni, there has been the discovery of ancient bronze, silver, and gold jewelry; crowns; clay statues; glass plates; and metal coins depicting portraits of kings. These artifacts demonstrate that Armenia enjoyed a high level of artistry. Ancient Armenia was enriched by the influence of Hellenism and became a unique, sophisticated, and refined culture. The Armenian people hold an important and noteworthy position among the world s ancient civilizations. 1. What is Hellenism? 2. What is Hellenistic culture? 3. How did the use of Greek letters spread in Armenia? 4. During this period, how were Armenian arts influenced by Greek arts? -- The purpose of the 100+ Program is to help students learn core knowledge about Armenian culture, history, and identity so that upon graduation, they grasp the significance of Armenian history elaborated in these pages. End. 14