Today Armenia is a small post-Soviet country in the Caucasus mountains. In antiquity, Greater Armenia was much later and has existed off and on in different forms since long before the Roman Empire existed (and long after).
Despite being largely forgotten, Armenia is very much worth a visit and is full of things to see and do in its small but ancient land. Believe it or not but Armenia is filled with archeological mysteries and even has its own Stonehenge.
Armenia In Roman Times
During Roman times there was an Armenian state in this greater region. At times it was an independent client state of the Roman Empire, sometimes it was influenced by the powerful Parthian Empire and the succeeding Sasanian Empire. These empires were the counterweights to the Roman Empire and were centered in modern-day Iran. For periods of time parts of Armenia were part of the Roman Empire - and briefly, all of it was.
For most of this period, it was a buffer state and a bone of contention between the powerful Roman and Parthian/Sasanian Empires.
- Greater Armenia: Was Often An Independent Client State of Rome
In 114 AD Emperor Trajan was able to conquer and incorporate the independent Greater Armenia into the Roman Empire. Later on, it was divided between the Romans and the Sasanians. It would go on to be a battleground between the surviving Eastern Romans (Byzantines) and the Sasanians.
- Roman Province: Armenia Was A Providence Of Roman From 114-117 AD
As Armenia was the frontier of the Roman Empire, there are some Roman ruins to be found. The ruins one finds here are about as far into the ancient frontier as one can find.
Temple of Garni
The Temple of Garni is a Greco-Roman colonnaded temple in Armenia. Today it is the most famous pre-Christian structure in Armenia.
Then the temple was built, Greater Armenia was a client state of the Roman Empire. It is linked to the Armenian king Tiridates I's visit to Roman in 66 AD. There he was crowned by Roman emperor Nero (that Nero).
- Funded: The Temple Was Likely Funded by Roman And Built With Roman Craftsmen
The Armenian city of Artaxata had been destroyed by the Roman general Gnaeus Domitus Corbulo. So Nero provided 50 million drachmas and Roman craftsmen to rebuild.
It is built on top of an earlier Uratian temple (Urartu is considered the first Armenian state that existed in the 9th century BC).
- Where: Around 30 Minutes Drive From The Capital Yeveren
- Admission Fee: 1500 Armenian Dram (About $3.50)
- Built: Around 76 AD
The Temple of Garni was probably dedicated to the sun god Mihr. Armenia became the first country in the world to convert to Christianity and it was then converted to the royal summer house.
Some sources claim it was not a temple, but rather a tomb and that is why it survived the destruction of pagan structures as they converted to Christianity. If it is a temple, it is the only pagan temple in the Caucusus.
It collapsed in 1679 with an earthquake that rocked the region. Later on, under Soviet rule, it was reconstructed between 1969 and 1975. Today it is very easy to get to and is only a short drive from the capital, Yeveren.
- Collapsed: In 1679
- Reconstructed: By The Soviets Between 1969 and 1975
The temple complex is complete with Roman-style baths and is considered one of the countries top attractions today.
Roman Aqueducts
Recently, (in 2018) archeologists discovered the easternmost Roman aqueduct. The aqueduct is unfinished and probably dates from the second century when the Romans briefly conquered Armenia and had control of the city of Artaxata (the old Armenian capital).
The aqueduct is located near Khor Virap close to the border with Turkey. After the region fell outside Roman control construction ceased and it was abandoned.
- Built: Between 114 and 117 AD
- Easternmost: It Is The Farthest Roman Aqueduct in This Region
- Roman Rule: Only around 3 Years
The archeologists noted:
“The unfinished aqueduct of Artaxata is proof of a failed Roman Imperialism in Armenia... If finished, the monumental arches and the abundance of running water would have turned Artaxata into a Roman city.”
How To Visit
There are numerous tours to all the famous sites in Armenia that can be booked on the day in the center of the capital city Yerevan. If one would like to plan ahead, private tours can be organized (as well as for consultation of where to go) through Kantar Hostel in Yerevan.
While there, add the Areni-1 winery to one's bucket list - it is a 6100-year-old winery only discovered in 2007. It is one of the oldest known wineries in the world today.