Urartian (Araratian) Period (8-6th Centuries BC)
History:
In the fifth year of his reign, King Argishti I (786-764 BC) of Urartu (Ararat) founded the fortress of Erebouni on the hill of Arin Berd, thus creating the foundation of Yerevan. The exact date of the city’s birth is available on a cuneiform inscription that was left by King Argishti in the Erebouni Fortress. The inscription that contained the story of the foundation of the city is considered to be the birth certificate of Yerevan, and is located in the Erebouni Historical and Archaeological Museum-Reserve. It records the foundation of the city back to 782 BC, which makes Yerevan 29 years older than Rome, as the latter was founded in 753 BC.
The cuneiform inscription reads:
“By the greatness of the God Khaldi, Argishti, son of Menua, built this mighty stronghold and proclaimed it Erebouni for the glory of Biainili [Urartu] and to instill fear among the enemies.
Argishti says, the land was unpopulated, before the great works I accomplished upon it. By the greatness of Khaldi, Argishti, son of Menua, is a mighty king, king of the country of Biainili, and the ruler of the city of Tushpa [Van].”
Urartian Cuneiform Tablet Recording the Foundation of Erebouni
(cc) Travis Witt
