Bagaran

Bagaran (Armenian: Բագարան) was a city in ancient Armenia founded during the reign of the Orontid dynasty. It is one of the historical capitals of ancient Armenia. Throughout various historical periods, it served as the primary religious center of Urartu.

The fortress-city of Bagaran (also referred to in historical sources as a fortress, town, castle, or city) was located in the Arsharunik canton of the Ayrarat province of Greater Armenia, near the confluence of the Akhuryan and Aras rivers (on the right bank of the Akhuryan). It was situated south of the village of Mren and approximately 8–9 kilometers (according to Movses Khorenatsi, about forty asparameters or stadia) north of the historical capital city of Yervandashat.

The city was surrounded on three sides by the steep gorge of the Akhuryan River. This topographical feature provided a strategic advantage for robust defense against enemy incursions.

In later periods, the waters from the springs located within the territory of Bagaran were utilized to operate watermills. The city featured orchards and an artificial forest-park. Furthermore, the natural and artificial caves in the surrounding...