Fortresses - Armenian Geographic - ArmGeo.am

Baghaberd Fortress

armeniangeographic — Fri, 11 Feb 2022 13:46:34 +0000

The Baghaberd fortress (Kapani Berd) is located in Armenia in the Syunik region, between the cities of Kapan and Kajaran, near the confluence of the Gekhi and Voghchi rivers. The fortress was one of the main defensive buildings of medieval Armenia.

Historical review

According to Stepanos Orbelyan (an Armenian historian of the 13-14th centuries), Bagak of an ancient Sisak family inherited the province of Dzork (Kapan) and built the stone fortress of Baghaberd on that land. Baghaberd, whose walls were impregnable, was known from the 4th-5th centuries. However, the strategic importance of the Baghaberd fortress especially increased during the period of the Syunik kingdom (the 10-12th centuries).

Baghaberd Fortress

Baghaberd became the capital of the Syunik kingdom in 1103, after the fall of the city of Kapan. In addition, manuscripts and treasures which belonged to representatives of some noble families were held in Baghaberd. Baghaberd was taken by the Gandzak Seljuks under the command of Eldkuz (Yeltkuz) Atabek in 1170. The invaders knew no mercy and completely destroyed the inhabitants of the city, plundered its treasures and also destroyed more than 10,000 priceless manuscripts that belonged to the Tatev Monastery. The fortress remained in ruins.

Architecture

The Baghaberd fortress was built on a triangular cliff and was protected by three defensive lines with the first line passing along the foot of the cliff, the second at an altitude of about 150 meters above the first, and the third at the very top of the cliff. Baghaberd was surrounded by high stone walls of double thickness with towers of various shapes. The steep cliffs of the mountain gorges served as a natural barrier. Walls with pyramidal buttresses were built on the eastern, less protected side. The rocks were processed (polished) so that they served as fortress walls.

Baghaberd Fortress

Gateway toreposts were located in the southwestern part, where there was a watchtower. A system of underground passages was built under the fortress. Although stone-carved cave vaults and a man-made reservoir with drinking water have reached our times in very poor condition they still impress you. Towers and fragments of the fortress wall about 6-8 meters high have been preserved till nowadays.

Baghaberd Fortress

In the recent past locals used to come to the ruins of the fortress to pick up some hewn stones and use them to build their own houses. In addition, the Baghaberd fortress was severely damaged in Soviet times when the Kapan-Kajaran highway was being laid. The major part of the wall with the adjacent towers was demolished. Now there are only two dilapidated pyramids near the highway.

The legend of the Parandzem spring

Local people know many stories and legends about the Baghaberd fortress, the most famous of which is one of the Parandzem spring. According to the legend, Queen Parandzem spent her youth there, in Baghaberd. They say the young queen would walk near the western walls of the fortress, where she would have some rest near a spring of refreshing water. This is a popular belief that if a baby is bathed in the waters of the spring, a girl becomes as beautiful and proud as Queen Parandzem, and a boy acquires an extraordinary physical strength.

Baghaberd Fortress

Many years have passed since the spring dried up, but people still come to this magical place to touch the stones and receive at least a little of the power and wisdom of Queen Parandzem.

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Fortresses and castles of Armenia

Baghaberd Fortress

Medieval castles and fortresses in Armenia

Amberd Fortress

Lori Fortress

The Girl’s Fortress / Kayen Castle

Medieval castles and fortresses in Armenia

armeniangeographic — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 06:23:08 +0000

Although the country is relatively small, you can find dilapidated or standing medieval fortresses and castles in Armenia almost at every step. All this suggests that in the Middle Ages, fortresses and castles in Armenia were built at a very high level. Most of them have not retained their former greatness. However, even looking at the dilapidated foundations of these structures you can guess how majestic they were.

Below you can find information about some of the many medieval fortresses and castles in Armenia.

Bjni Fortress

One of the most famous medieval fortresses, Bjni Fortress, is located on the right bank of Hrazdan River, on the eastern side of the village, on a high headland surrounded by inaccessible rocks. The fortress is the result of the construction work of Vasak Pahlavuni. His son, Grigor Magistros, built the main churches of Bjni Surb Astvatsatsin and Kecharis monasteries. The exact time of foundation is unknown, but it has been mentioned since Middle Ages.

In 1977-1978, an expedition of the Department of Archaeology of Yerevan State University under the leadership of Igit Gharibyan carried out excavations here. As a result of the excavations, the following were discovered: the main wall of the domed Surb Khach church (9th-10th centuries), a palace building consisting of two halls, details of an early medieval church, residential buildings, reservoir, a secret passage. According to the legend, a secret passage connected the fortress and the Astvatsatsin church. Due to the construction of houses and many other buildings, only a small part of this secret passage has survived.

There is also a widespread myth that Ashot II Erkat lived in this fortress for some time.

Ashot Erkat Fortress or Mantashaberd

Ashot Erkat Fortress or Mantashaberd is a military structure in Tavush region. This is an impregnable medieval fortress in Armenia. It is located 7 km south of Ijevan, on a wooded rock on the right bank of Aghstev River, surrounded by wide, pyramid walls. The fortress belongs to the Bagratuni period.

Mantashaberd / Ashot Erkat Fortress

The walls enclosing the fortress are built of black stone and strong mortar. Later, because of the black color, foreign invaders called this fortress Ghara ghala, which means “Black fortress”.

In historical sources, Mantashaberd is always mentioned with the Girl’s Fortress. Based on this, we can assume that it was built in the first quarter of the 10th century.

According to the legend about Mantashaberd and Girl’s Fortress, there was a beautiful girl, whom many knights and princes wanted to marry. One of them was Prince Mantash. When they did not manage to persuade her, they tried to take her by force. To protect herself from unwanted admirers, the girl gathered her army, built a fortress and moved there. Prince Mantash decided to build Mantash’s Fortress just in front of the Girl’s Fortress and started to attack it from time to time. However, the girl always won. Once, she ordered her army to attack the Mantashaberd and won again. After that, Mantash asked for a truce. They concluded an agreement, according to which each of them would remain in their own fortress. As a symbol of friendship, they built a bathhouse on the banks of Aghstev River.

Amberd Fortress

Amberd Fortress is one of the impregnable fortresses in Armenia. It was built on the slopes of Mount Aragats and is located at an altitude of 2300 meters above sea level.

According to historical sources, the construction of Amberd began in the 7th century by the princes of Kamsarakan family. In the 10th century, the fortress belonged to the princes of Pahlavuni dynasty and was one of the most important military defensive points of the Bagratuni principality. It was known as an impregnable fortress due to its natural location and defensive structure. This fortress was entrusted with one of the most responsible roles in the defense of the city of Ani.

Amberd Fortress

In recent decades, a number of archaeological excavations have been carried out in Amberd, and a number of monuments have been strengthened and repaired. During the excavations, metal objects, weapons, silver jewelry, ceramics, glassware, gold and copper coins, candlesticks, bronze candelabras and other archaeological objects were discovered.

Meghri Fortress

Meghri Fortress occupies a very special place among the defensive structures of Armenian medieval architecture. It is located in Syunik region, in the city of Meghri. The fortress is situated in the northern part of Mets Tagh district, on the inaccessible peaks of mountain ranges. The fortress surrounds the city and provides strong protection from the north, west and east. The exact time of the construction of the fortress is unknown.

Meghri Fortress / 18th century

The architecture of the Meghri Fortress is considered unique for Armenia. There is no fence; it is replaced by a mountain range. In the case of the use of firearms, the settlement could be taken under control from a certain distance.

Smbataberd Fortress

Smbataberd is one of the largest impregnable fortresses of Vayots Dzor region, founded in the early Middle Ages.

According to legend, during its entire existence Smbataberd Fortress was captured only once, and only because of a cunning plan: the horses were fed with salt and let out to pasture around the fortress. Thirsty animals began to look for water and found a pipeline, cutting off the water supply to the fortress. The defenders were thus forced to surrender.

Smbataberd Fortress

Until the first quarter of the 7th century, the fortress belonged to the princes of Syunik, and then in the 10th century it passed to the Bagratuni dynasty. In the 13th century, it passed to the Orbeli princes and until the 15th century was their ancestral property. In 1065, the fortress together with the city of Yeghegis was completely destroyed after the invasions of the Persian Shah Abbas.

In the 12th-15th centuries, the Orbelians fortified the fortress and turned it into a powerful defensive structure. Residents of nearby villages gave the name Smbataberd to the fortress in the 19th century. The reason for this was the tombstone of Prince Smbat (1280), which was located in the Orbelian family cemetery. Some researchers believe that Smbataberd is the Kapuyt (Blue) Fortress, which was mentioned by Stepanos Orbelian.

Lori Fortress

The impregnable Lori Fortress is located in the Lori region, 5 km from Stepanavan. It is located at the intersection of Dzoraget and Urut gorges. The fortress is included in the list of immovable monuments of history and culture of the Lori Berd village.

Lori Fortress is located 5 km northeast of Stepanavan, on the left bank of Dzoraget River. Founded by David Anhoghin, the fortress dates back to 1005-1020.

Lori Fortress

Since 1966, an expedition of Yerevan State University has been conduction archaeological excavations in Lori. Two baths of 11th-13th centuries were excavated here. One of them consists of a changing room, three baths, a furnace and a cold-water reservoir. Another bathhouse consists of a changing room, a bath and a boiler room.

All these fortresses are of great historical and cultural importance for Armenia. Today they are interesting tourist destinations. If you want to visit the medieval fortresses and castles in Armenia and delve deeper into the study of the history and architecture of this country, then contact us, and we will organize an unforgettable hiking trip especially for you.

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Amberd Fortress

armeniangeographic — Mon, 15 Jan 2018 13:24:19 +0000

The Amberd fortress is an impregnable fortress built on the southern slope of Mount Aragats at an altitude of 2300 meters above sea level. The road leading to this fortress passes through wasteland and then winds through hilly terrain. One may see a magnificent panorama from the height at which the Amberd fortress is located.

The Amberd fortress serves as proof that Armenian architects skillfully used the features of the natural landscape during the construction of defensive structures. Amberd was built on a ledge surrounded by deep gorges, which provided the fortress with natural protection.

Amberd Fortress

History

The fortified city of Amberd is located in the historical province of Aragatsotn, approximately 7 kilometers northwest of the village of Byurakan, where the Arkashen and Amberd rivers meet. The era in which the fortress was founded is still unknown. Some researchers talk about the “cyclopean” character of the stone masonry, typical for the buildings of Antiquity, others attribute the fortified city of Amberd to the Urartu period or to the period of the Early Middle Ages. However, most scientists agree that the fortress was built in the 10th-13th centuries AD.

According to historical sources, the construction of Amberd began in the 7th century by order of the princes of Kamsarakan. Amberd belonged to the princes of Pahlavuni in the 10th century and had a reputation of an impregnable fortress due to its advantageous location. Amberd was also an important link in the defense ring of Ani, the capital of the Bagratid kingdom.

Armenian-Georgian troops under the command of Zakare Zakarian liberated the Amberd fortress from Turkish invaders in 1196. Subsequently, the fortress was transferred to the ownership of Zakare Zakarian, “amirspasalar” (supreme commander-in-chief). The fortified city of Amberd became the administrative center of the Vachutyan kingdom in 1215. However, the fortress was captured and completely destroyed by the Mongols in 1236. Amberd was rebuilt again at the end of the 13th century.

The fortified city of Amberd lost its importance at the end of the 14th century during the reign of Tamerlane.

Architecture

The architectural layout of the fortress is simple and practical. The main goal is to provide reliable protection from external attacks, for which large stone blocks were used, capable of withstanding the blows of projectiles and battering guns.

When erecting walls, the features of the terrain were taken into account. Since the Amberd River gorge was considered impregnable in itself, the fortress wall there was built only on the lowest section. And vice versa, a powerful wall was erected on the other side of the gorge near the Arkashen River, since there was a threat that the enemy would attack from this unprotected side. All the walls of the fortress were built from huge basalt blocks.

As we know from history, most often the defenders of the fortress surrendered when their supplies of drinking water ran out. To avoid it, the fortified city of Amberd was equipped with a developed water supply system. Water entered the fortress through special clay pipes. In addition, reservoirs were organized where water supplies from mountain springs and melted snow were stored. During sieges, the defenders of the fortress used a secret passage that led to the Arkashen River.

Historical and architectural monuments

Город-крепость Амберд включает в себя комплекс объектов исторического значения: крепостные стены, ворота Аркашен и Амбердадзор, собственно крепость с её тайными ходами, церковь и часовню, несколько жилых домов, а также водоемы и баню. До наших дней сохранились лишь руины крепости (X-XIII вв.), крепостные стены, церковь Ваграмашен (1026 г.), баня (X-XI вв.) и некоторые другие постройки.

Город-крепость Амберд включал в себя ряд историко-архитектурных памятников: крепостные стены, ворота Аркашен и Амбердадзора, замок, водоемы, баню, тайные ходы, часовню, жилые дома и церковь. В настоящее время от города-крепости сохранились руины замка (X-XIII вв.), стены, баня (X-XI вв.), другие постройки и церковь Ваграмашен (1026 г.).

Bath

The ruins of a bath built in the 10th-11th centuries were preserved. Clay pipes were used to provide water supply, while hot water was supplied to the bathing halls through metal pipes. This bathhouse used the “hypocaust” technology, invented in Ancient Rome. The “hypocaust” principle was based on the fact that the smoke from the stove passed under the floor of the bathhouse and exited through chimneys in the walls, which made it possible to effectively maintain heat and heat the floor and walls.

Chapel

There is a chapel at a distance of 9 meters from the bath building. It is believed that this chapel was built no earlier than in the 10th century.

Vagramashen

Vagramashen Church (also Surb Astvatsatsin or Amberd Church) was built in 1026. Prince Vahram Pahlavuni was proclaimed her patron. The church consists of a prayer hall with an eastern altar apse and four corner sacristies. The twelve-sided drum, round on the inside, is decorated with paired pilasters on the outside and covered with an umbrella-shaped dome, which is called a “vegar”. This dome is one of a kind and has special historical value. Clay jugs were inserted into it in order to lighten the load on the dome. It also gave a special acoustic effect during church services. There is a sundial in the church yard. A number of measures were taken to restore the building of the Vagramashen Church in 1970-1975.

The copyright of this article is owned by armgeo.am. The content of the article may be cited or used on other websites only with an active link to the source.

Fortresses and castles of Armenia

Baghaberd Fortress

Medieval castles and fortresses in Armenia

Amberd Fortress

Lori Fortress

The Girl’s Fortress / Kayen Castle

Lori Fortress

armeniangeographic — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 12:16:06 +0000

Lori is a Medieval impregnable fortress, which is located in the Lori marz (region), 5 km from Stepanavan, at the intersection of the Dzoraget and Urut gorges. The fortress is included in the List of Architectural Monuments of Armenia.

Historical review

The fortress was founded by David Ankhoh (David the Landless), most likely in 1005-1020. After the city of Shamshulde passed to the Georgian king Bagrat IV in 1065, the Armenian king Kiurike I declared the fortress-city of Lori as the capital of the Kiurikian dynasty (1049-1089).

Lori Fortress

The northern trade route passed through Lori, thanks to which the city became a central hub for development of trades and crafts. Lori had trade relations with Ani, Dvin, Dmanis, Tphis and other cities of Medieval Armenia. The population of the fortress-city Lori numbered about 10 thousand people in the XI-XIII centuries. The most fortified part of the city, surrounded by fortress gates, was an acropolis.

Lori Fortress

Lori was captured by the Seljuk Turks in 1105 , and became part of the Georgian Empire in 1118. It was granted to the princely family of Orbeli (Orbelian). Lori came into the possession of the Georgian general of Armenian origin Sarkis Zakarian in 1185, and after his death – to his sons Ivane and Zakare Zakarian.

In June 1236, Mongol troops under the command of Chagatai Nayan captured and destroyed the city, taking Zakarian’s treasures and destroying the crypt chapel that had been erected in honor of David Ankhoh’s wife. Lori was restored and was under the rule of the Armenian princes Orbelian from 1430.

The military fortress of particular importance Lori repeatedly passed from the Turks to the Persians, and sometimes to the Georgians from 1562 to 1734. However, by the end of the 18th century, the Lori fortress lost its strategic importance and became a refuge for people from various regions. A village named Lori Berd was founded on the territory of the former acropolis, 2 km from Lori.

Architecture

The square of the fortress-city of Lori was 33 hectares. From the northwest, where the city was most vulnerable, a 214-meter-long stone wall was built, equipped with both round and square towers. The only entrance to the fortress was in the northwestern corner. The thickness of the walls in some places reached 20 meters, and the height – from 20 to 25 meters. There was a moat along the wall. At a distance of 500 meters from the walls of the citadel there was a city wall, which was almost not preserved.

Lori Fortress

In the gorge of the citadel, in addition to natural barriers, artificial barriers were built. Initially, the Kyurikians, and later the Zakharids and their descendants, erected palaces, churches, baths in Lori, installed khachkars and built bridges over the gorges dividing the city outskirts. An underground passage leading to the Mishkana River was created.

Archaeological research

Excavation campaigns at Lori Bird have been conducted by explorers from Yerevan State University since 1966. As a result of the research, two buildings of the 11th-13th centuries, presumably baths, were discovered. The baths used double floors through which smoke from the firebox passed, heating the room. Clay pipes ran along the walls.

Lori Fortress

A two-story palace building, two pools with fountains were also discovered, and the tomb of the wife of David Ankhoh, the founder of the fortress, was excavated. One of the residential buildings with its frescoes, which were made in an unusual manner for that era and depict scenes from everyday life, rather than religious subjects attracted special attention from scientists. The city was supplied with drinking water from underground sources, which were located 5 km from the city through the special system, while industrial water came through artificial streams flowing above the pipeline.

Lori Fortress

Bridge

The bridge over the Mishkana River, which is located near the fortress, is an outstanding example of Medieval Armenian architecture of the 11th-12th centuries. The length of the bridge is 9 meters, its width is 2.8 meters. Hewn basalt stones were used in the construction of the bridge. The bridge was badly damaged by the 1918 flood, but local residents restored it on their own.

The copyright of this article is owned by armgeo.am. The content of the article may be cited or used on other websites only with an active link to the source.

Fortresses and castles of Armenia

Baghaberd Fortress

Medieval castles and fortresses in Armenia

Amberd Fortress

Lori Fortress

The Girl’s Fortress / Kayen Castle

armeniangeographic — Wed, 10 Jan 2018 13:26:09 +0000

The Girl’s Fortress (Armenian: “Akhchka Berd”) is located in the Tavush region in the valley of the Aghstev River and is considered one of most famous architectural monuments of Medieval Armenia. In that era, the fortress was called Cayen, as well as Gavar (an administrative unit), on the territory of which it was located. The Cayen fortress, known for its inaccessibility, served as the residence of the princes.

Architecture

The fortress is built on the top of a mountain, which is covered with forest. The small area is surrounded by steep cliffs and is additionally protected by high walls with towers.

The Girl’s Fortress

There are residential buildings, a church, two reservoirs and a bath contained on the territory of the fortress.

The Girl’s Fortress

All these structures, including the fortress walls, were built using lime mortar and basalt stone.

Currently, the fortress is considered an object of historical and cultural heritage of the Republic of Armenia.

Լegend

They say, that Lenk Temur learnt, that there was a beautiful girl living in the fortress. He sent his soldiers to bring the girl to him. Three of his soldiers kidnapped the girl. A shepherd saw that and followed them. At night, when the soldiers fell asleep, the shepherd killed them and took the girl back. Lenk Temur attacked the fortress with an anger, but Armenians living in the fortress didn’t give up, until Lenk Temur, because of the betrayal of an old lady from the fortress, took the channel of the water coming to the fortress. The girl was feeling very guilty and threw herself from the fortress to the river. That is why it is called The Girl’s Fortress.

The Girl’s Fortress

There is another legend about the ruins of the bathroom in the fortress. They say, that there was a beautiful girl, whom many knights and princes wanted to marry. One of them was Prince Mantash. When they did not manage to persuade her, they tried to take her by force. To protect herself from unwanted admirers, the girl gathered her army, built a fortress and moved there. Prince Mantash decided to build Mantash’s Fortress just in front of the Girl’s Fortress and started to attack it from time to time.

The Girl’s Fortress

However, the girl always won. Once, she ordered her army to attack the Mantashaberd and won again. After that, Mantash asked for a truce. They concluded an agreement, according to which each of them would remain in their own fortress. As a symbol of friendship, they built a bathhouse on the banks of Aghstev River.

Photos by Araks Asatryan, Karen Sagoyan, Hrachuhi Ayvazyan, Tigran Shahbazyan

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