Armenian facts for kids
Armenian refers to things connected to Armenia, a country located in the South Caucasus region, which is a crossroads between Europe and Asia. It can mean the people, their unique language, their long history, or their rich culture.
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The Country of Armenia
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Armenia is a landlocked country known for its ancient history and beautiful landscapes. Its capital city is Yerevan, which is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities. Armenia has a rich cultural heritage, with many ancient churches, monasteries, and historical sites. The country is mountainous, with Mount Ararat, a significant symbol for Armenians, visible from many parts of the country, though it is now located across the border in Turkey.
The Armenian People
The Armenians are an ethnic group native to the Armenian Highland. They have a unique culture, language, and alphabet that have developed over thousands of years. Armenians are known for their strong sense of community, their love for art and music, and their delicious cuisine. Many Armenians live outside of Armenia, forming large communities in countries around the world, often called the Armenian diaspora.
Armenian Language and Alphabet
The Armenian Language
The Armenian language is an Indo-European language spoken by Armenians worldwide. It has its own unique branch within the Indo-European family, meaning it's not closely related to other languages like English or Spanish. It has a long literary tradition, with texts dating back to the 5th century.
The Armenian Alphabet
The Armenian alphabet was created in the early 5th century by a scholar named Mesrop Mashtots. This alphabet was a very important invention because it allowed Armenians to translate the Bible and other religious texts into their own language. It also helped preserve their unique culture and identity through centuries. The alphabet has 39 letters, each with a distinct sound.
Historical Armenian Kingdoms
Armenia has a very long and complex history, marked by several powerful kingdoms that rose and fell over time. These kingdoms played a big role in shaping the Armenian identity and culture.
Orontid Dynasty (6th Century BC to 200 BC)
The Orontid Dynasty was one of the earliest Armenian ruling families. They governed Armenia as a satrapy (a province) under the Persian Empire and later as an independent kingdom. This period laid some of the foundations for later Armenian states.
Kingdom of Armenia (Antiquity) (190 BC to AD 387/428)
Also known as Artaxiad or Arsacid Armenia, this was a powerful ancient kingdom. Under kings like Tigranes the Great, the Kingdom of Armenia (Antiquity) expanded significantly, becoming one of the strongest states in the region. It was during this period that Armenia became the first nation to adopt Christianity as its state religion, in 301 AD.
Bagratid Armenia (AD 885 to 1045)
The Kingdom of Armenia (Middle Ages), or Bagratid Armenia, was a medieval kingdom that brought a period of revival and cultural flourishing after centuries of foreign rule. Its capital, Ani, became a magnificent city known for its many churches and impressive architecture.
Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia (1078 to 1375)
After the fall of Bagratid Armenia, many Armenians moved south to the region of Cilicia (in modern-day Turkey). Here, they established the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia. This kingdom was important for its role in the Crusades and for maintaining Armenian independence and culture for several centuries.
Armenian Churches
Religion has always been a central part of Armenian identity. Most Armenians belong to one of these Christian churches:
- Armenian Apostolic Church: This is the national church of Armenia and one of the oldest Christian churches in the world. It is an independent church with its own unique traditions and rituals.
- Armenian Catholic Church: This church is in full communion with the Pope in Rome, but it follows its own Armenian rites and traditions.
- Armenian Evangelical Church: This church is a smaller Protestant denomination with roots in the 19th century.
Armenian Quarter of Jerusalem
The Armenian Quarter is one of the four traditional quarters of the Old City of Jerusalem. It is home to an Armenian community that has lived there for centuries, centered around the Saint James Cathedral. It's a significant place for Armenians, showing their long historical presence in the Holy Land.
Armenian Genocide
The Armenian Genocide refers to the tragic events that occurred during and after World War I, from 1915 to 1923. During this time, the Ottoman government systematically killed and deported millions of Armenians. This event is recognized by many countries as a genocide, a terrible crime against humanity. It is a very painful part of Armenian history, but remembering it helps ensure such atrocities are never repeated.
Armenian Highland
The Armenian Highland is a large mountainous region in Western Asia, where the Armenian people have lived for thousands of years. It includes parts of modern-day Armenia, Turkey, Iran, and Azerbaijan. This highland region is considered the historical homeland of the Armenians and is rich in ancient history and cultural sites.
Related pages
See also
In Spanish: Armenio para niños
