Germany according to Ancient Armenian Geography (or Ashkharatsuyts)

Abstract

The information from ‹‹Ancient Armenian Geography›› (Ashkharhatsuyts) about Germany is unique. Despite the fact that, for unknown reasons, the Armenian source places Gaul in the east of this country (instead of the western side), nevertheless, this does not detract from the value of information about ancient and early medieval Germany. Without hesitation, we can state the importance of information about the orography and hydrography of this country. The source presents a general picture of the country’s tribal world, on the basis of which the German people were formed in subsequent centuries. Particular attention is given to the Goths, who played almost the most important role in early medieval Europe. Additionally, the source discusses Germany’s mining industry, particularly iron mining, which is a noteworthy aspect. This information can be considered unique, since, studying the source’s descriptions about the remaining 11 European countries, we do not find any evidence about this industry. All this and other information from the Armenian source requires scrupulous study and analysis, which we have tried to do within the framework of this article.