National Geographic magazine has published an article dedicated to Ani, the ancient capital of Armenia.
According to the article’s author, Antonio Ratti, in the 10th century the city of “a thousand and one churches” became the capital of Armenia and the home of 100,000 people.
“Its strategic position along trade routes between the Black and Caspian seas made Ani an attractive dominion, subjecting the city for centuries to invasions and then to long periods of abandonment,” the author noted.
“Armenia’s medieval kingdom once extended far beyond the borders of the modern state. In ancient times these lands passed under the control of the Persians, the Seleucids, the Parthians and the Romans,” the author noted, adding that despite the rises and falls of these empires, Armenian identity prevailed in Ani.
“The city’s tranquil ruins, once teeming with armies for centuries, have always been a special place for Armenians. After the Armenian Genocide, this place became one of the symbols of remembrance of Armenia’s losses and of its wondrous resilience,” the author concluded.
