Armenian history is brimming with life-changing events and national achievements. To learn about the remarkable path of this country, visit the History Museum when in Yerevan. But first, go over the main highlights of Armenian history below to get some insights about this small but mighty nation.

Armenians are the descendants of Hayk, one of Noah's inheritors. After defeating the Mesopotamian tyrant Bel, Hayk commanded his people in the Armenian Plateau, and they started calling themselves Hay (Armenian) and the country –  Hayq (the land of Hays, Armenians).

In the existence of the Urartian civilization, Armenians were part of the local population. Although the primary spoken language was Urartian, old Armenian was also widely practiced. Interestingly, the Armenian Kingdoms and States of the following periods were formed on the same territories as the Urartian Kingdom, making the Armenian population a straight line of descent from our predecessors.

When in Yerevan, visit the Erebuni Museum and archeological site, uncover the Urartian past of the area and learn the chronology of the people living here from Erebuni to Yerevan times.  

The first ground-breaking event was the adoption of Christianity as a state religion in the 4th century. This may be one of the key reasons why Armenians have maintained their identity, and today you can witness their magnificent culture. 

Another key occasion that helped Armenians maintain their sense of national identity was the development of the Armenian alphabet. In 405 AD. Mesrop Mashtots created the Armenian alphabet, initially consisting of 36 unique letters.

Today our alphabet has 39 that were added to it in a later period.Visit the Western slope of Aragats Mountain to see the mesmerizing Armenian Alphabet Monument. Don’t forget to find the first letter of your name and take a photo with it. Locals will help you locate it. Finally, in 451, Armenians asserted their religion, language, and national identity in Avarayr's battle with the Persians.

The 9th to 11th centuries were ideal for a cultural and architectural boom in Bagratid Armenia. The capital city, Ani, developed significantly, establishing a separate school of philosophy, art, culture, and architecture. Ani’s influence can be seen in Armenia’s other regions. To experience the cultural vibes of this period, you should visit Marmashen and Harichavank Monasteries, Amberd Fortress, and nearby Vahramashen church. 

The next centuries were beneficial for Armenian merchants, showcasing their skills to make good deals in sales and getting the privilege to travel from Persia all the way to Great Britain in the 17th and 18th centuries. Armenian merchants also shaped the Armenian Diaspora of those times, providing avenues for further expansion. 

You can see how Armenia's national characteristics were shaped by visiting its cities and towns.The 20th century saw Yerevan's development as the "pink city." Many monuments, memorials, and sculptures that represent our country and its history can be found there.

In this sense, the Armenian Genocide Memorial and Museum, The Men statue, Sasuntsi Davit and Mother Armenia monuments, as well as numerous others, are worth checking out.