Greater Armenia facts for kids

Greater Armenia is a name that can mean two different things. It can refer to a large, powerful kingdom from ancient times called the Kingdom of Armenia. It can also mean a modern idea or goal that some people have for a larger Armenia today.

The Ancient Kingdom of Armenia

The most common meaning of "Greater Armenia" is the Kingdom of Armenia. This was a very important and powerful country in ancient history. It existed for many centuries, from around 321 BC until 428 AD.

Where Was Ancient Armenia?

The Kingdom of Armenia was located in a region called the Armenian Highlands. This area is in Western Asia, between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea. It was a crossroads for many ancient civilizations.

Famous Rulers of Armenia

One of the most famous kings of ancient Armenia was King Tigranes II. He ruled from about 95 BC to 55 BC. During his time, the Kingdom of Armenia became very large and powerful. It even stretched from the Caspian Sea to the Mediterranean Sea for a short period. This was the largest the kingdom ever became.

Armenia's Importance in History

The Kingdom of Armenia was often caught between larger empires like the Roman Empire and the Parthian Empire (and later the Sasanian Empire). It had to be very strong and smart to survive. Armenia was also one of the first countries to adopt Christianity as its official religion, doing so in 301 AD. This was a very important moment in its history and for the spread of Christianity.

The Modern Idea of Greater Armenia

The second meaning of "Greater Armenia" is a political idea. Some Armenians today dream of uniting all lands that have been historically Armenian into one larger country. This idea is sometimes called irredentism.

What is Irredentism?

Irredentism is when people want to take back land that they believe belongs to their country. They often feel this land was once part of their nation or has many people of their ethnic group living there. For some Armenians, this means hoping for a future Armenia that includes areas that were part of the ancient Kingdom of Armenia.

Why This Idea Exists

This modern idea comes from the long history of the Armenian people and their ancient kingdom. It reflects a desire to restore what some see as the historical borders and influence of Armenia.

Images for kids

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  Greater Armenia within the borders of King Tigranes II's brief-lived empire (around 80 BC).

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  Armenia, Mesopotamia, Babylonia and Assyria with Adjacent Regions, Karl von Spruner, published in 1865.