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Photo: vahemart · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Historical capital of Armenia
Yervandashat was the last capital of the Kingdom of the Orontids, succeeding Armavir. It was founded by King Yervand IV the Last 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, 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...”.
