Yervandashat (ancient city)

Yervandashat (also known as Erevandashat and Marmet) was the last capital of the Kingdom of the Orontids, succeeding Armavir. It was founded by King Yervand IV the Last (220–201 BC) on the left bank of the Araxes River, at its confluence with the Akhurian River. Orontes-Yervand the Last transferred the capital from Armavir to Yervandashat in the last quarter of the 3rd century BC. Movses Khorenatsi, who provides valuable information about the location and construction of Yervandashat, explains this by noting that the Araxes River had changed its course and moved away from the Armavir hill; during winter, the tributary froze because of cold winds (although some water probably still flowed through the old channel), leaving the capital without water. Khorenatsi writes:

“When the winter became prolonged and cold northern winds blew, the tributary froze completely, and sufficient drinking water could not be found for the royal residence. Distressed by this, and seeking a more strongly fortified place, Yervand moved the royal court westward...”.

Yervand surrounded the citadel with high walls, reinforced the city gates with copper-plated and strongly fortified doors, and dug passages down to the foot of the hill so that water could be obtained from the river in the event of a siege of Yervandashat.

Yervand transferred all the royal wealth and part of the population of Armavir to the new capital. The nobles and the people were dissatisfied with the king, and fearing that it would be impossible to ensure his safety during sacrifices and pagan festivals, Yervand moved the wealth of the temples and the statues of the gods to Bagaran.

As noted by the Armenian architect and researcher Toros Toramanian, the ruins still exist to this day and astonish visitors not only because of their exceptionally strong and strategically advantageous location, but also due to the numerous residential sections within the fortress walls. According to him, this indicates that Yervand gathered a large number of his supporters and loyal followers within this extensive fortress in order to ensure his own security.