Ancient Armenia facts for kids
Ancient Armenia was a land of mountains, rivers, and many old stone buildings, including churches. Many of these ancient structures still stand today, especially near the modern border with Turkey. Long ago, Ancient Armenia was much larger than the country of Armenia is now. It stretched into areas that are today part of Turkey and Iran.
Ancient Armenian Beliefs
People in Ancient Armenia had interesting beliefs about the world. Early Armenians, like some other ancient groups, likely worshipped nature. They believed in the power of the sun, fire, and other natural elements. Over time, these beliefs changed into worshipping specific gods. Many of these gods were similar to those worshipped in ancient Roman, Greek, and Persian cultures.
The God Ar
A very important early Armenian god was named Ar. He was seen as the god of the Sun, Fire, and new beginnings or "Revival." The name "Ar" is connected to Armenian words meaning light, sun, and fire. For example, Arev means Sun, and Arpi means Light of heaven. Even the name of Mount Ararat, a famous mountain in Armenia, is thought to be linked to this god.
The worship of Ar was important in the Armenian Highlands thousands of years ago. This god was recognized by many ancient groups, though they called him by different names. For example, he was similar to Ares in Greek culture, Ahuramazda in Persian culture, and Yarilo in Slavic traditions. Even after Armenians adopted Christianity, the memory of the god Ar lived on in their stories, poems, art, and buildings.
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