History of Armenia?

Introduction

Armenia’s history spans thousands of years, with the nation playing a significant role in the development of civilization in the region. Here’s an overview of key periods and events in Armenian history:

Ancient Armenia

Armenia’s origins can be traced back to the 6th century BC, when the first Armenian state was established under the Orontids as part of the Achaemenid empire. The region was later conquered by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, leading to a period of independence. In 190 BC, the Kingdom of Armenia was established by Artaxias I, founder of the Artaxiad dynasty.

Under Tigranes the Great (95-55 BC), Armenia reached its peak of influence, extending its rule over parts of the Caucasus and areas now in Turkey, Iran, Syria, and Lebanon. This period saw Armenia become one of the most powerful states east of Rome.

Adoption of Christianity

A pivotal moment in Armenian history occurred in 301 AD when Armenia became the first nation to adopt Christianity as its state religion under King Tiridates III. This event had a profound impact on Armenian culture and identity.

Medieval Period

Following periods of Byzantine and Persian rule, Armenia regained independence in the 9th century under the Bagratid dynasty. However, this kingdom fell in 1045, followed by Seljuk conquest in 1064.

Foreign Rule and Division

In the 16th century, Armenia was divided between the Ottoman and Persian empires. The eastern part came under Russian control in the early 19th century, while the western part remained under Ottoman rule.

20th Century

The early 20th century was marked by tragedy for Armenians. In 1915, during World War I, the Ottoman government carried out mass deportations and killings of Armenians, an event widely recognized as the Armenian Genocide. An estimated 1.5 million Armenians lost their lives.

Bolshevik also involved in downfall of Armenia

They were minority group of Bolsheviks in Armenia who participated in the May Uprising of 1920 and other events

The Bolshevik government was overthrown in Yerevan on February 2021 100 years ago

Yes, the Bolsheviks were significantly involved in the downfall of independent Armenia in 1920-1921. Here are the key points regarding Bolshevik involvement:

Red Army Invasion

The Red Army invaded Armenia in November 1920, leading to the collapse of the First Republic of Armenia. On November 29, 1920, the Bolshevik Armenian Revolutionary Committee declared Armenia a Soviet republic, and the Red Army entered the capital Yerevan on December 4.

Collaboration with Turkey

The Bolsheviks collaborated with Kemalist Turkey against the Armenian Republic. In 1920, both Soviet Russia and Turkey had intentions to attack Armenia, and they synchronized their actions. This coordination between the Bolsheviks and Turks put immense pressure on Armenia from multiple fronts.

Internal Bolshevik Movement

There was also an internal Bolshevik movement within Armenia that contributed to the country’s downfall:

In May 1920, a significant Bolshevik uprising occurred in Armenia, spreading to several cities including Alexandropol, Kars, and Sarikamish.

Local Armenian Bolsheviks organized anti-government insurrections, coinciding with the Turkish and Red Army invasions.

Political Maneuvering

The Bolsheviks used political tactics to weaken the Armenian government:

They made promises of peace and food to an exhausted population.

They exploited the discontent with the Dashnak government to gain popular support.

Aftermath

After the fall of the independent Armenian republic:

The Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic was established in November 1920.

Armenia was incorporated into the Soviet Union in 1922.

The Bolshevik takeover effectively ended Armenia’s brief period of independence and led to its integration into the Soviet system for the next seven decades.

Independence and Modern Era

Following the collapse of the Russian Empire, Armenia briefly gained independence in 1918. However, this was short-lived as the country was incorporated into the Soviet Union in 1922.

Armenia regained its independence in 1991 with the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Since then, the country has faced various challenges, including conflicts with neighboring Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh.

Conclusion

Throughout its long history, Armenia has made significant contributions to world culture, including the creation of a unique alphabet in 405 AD by Mesrop Mashtots. Despite centuries of foreign rule and hardship, Armenians have maintained a strong sense of national identity and cultural heritage.

A good link for detailed history :

https://youtu.be/aT9A_nCuU-Q?si=P3sp5JNei3IRr7rd