|
|
The geographical situation of Armenia has always been a pre-eminent factor in the history of the country; comparable in many ways to the position of Switzerland in Central Europe. From the mountains of Armenia flow some of the greatest rivers in the region, the Araxes, Tigris and Euphrates. Likewise; the mountains of Switzerland are the source of rivers such as the Danube, Rhône, Rhine and Po. Armenia has long been the junction of the merchant roads between Asia and Europe, just as Switzerland has been at the crossroads between the Germanic and Latin worlds.
Linked between the Armenian mountain ranges are a number of large plains. The mountains restrict the size of the plains but the volcanic soil makes them highly fertile. The most important plains are those of Yerevan, Kars, Erzurum, Van and Moush; of these, the Yerevan plain is prominent in area and productivity. Yerevan has therefore been the most densely populated province on the Armenian highland and , by extension, the centre of power in the country's history. Several Armenian capitals, during various dynasties, have been founded in the province, including Armavir, Artaxata, Dvin, Etchmiadzin and Erebouni, the founding settlement of modern Yerevan. 8
Roman historians and authors often observed that there is no more fertile nor fruitful soil in all of Asia than that in the Armenian "Kraxi Campi".
Armenia has always been famous for its rich diversity of delicious fruits. The Roman Field General Lucullus (106-57 B.C.) even exported some trees,- cherry, white heart cherry and apricot from Armenia to Europe.
The climate is continental, with harsh winters and warm summers. Vital Cuinet writes: observed: "During the summer the climate is very much like that of Italy and Greece. But during the winter, which lasts for five or six months, most of the country is covered by a thick layer of snow and the temperature sinks to almost below 30° C. Despite the harsh climate, it is a joy to be in Armenia, and the visitor who has been in the country awhile will leave it reluctantly. This is due to the extreme purity of air, the strong and delicious taste and smell of the vegetables and fruits and their exquisite quality."
Two indigenous aspects have helped to create the military might of Armenia throughout its history.
The first is the tradition of horsebreeding, for which Armenia was famed. 11 For a long time, the Armenians were among the chief horse-breeders in the east. 12 The horses they bred were probably ancestors to the present-day Kurdish horses, as adept at mountain climbing as mules.
The second natural resource is the rich presence of ores in Armenia, known from ancient times as a centre of mining for metals. 13
The high peaks, the beautiful panoramas, the deep and fertile valleys, the grass-covered pastures, rock faces rich in metal ores; these are all elements that combine to warm the heart of the visitor, and awaken his sense of adventure.
|
|
|
