| Aram | |
| Nahapet | |
| Reign: | 1827 BC—1769 BC[1] |
| Predecessor: | Harma |
| Successor: | Ara the Handsome |
| Birth Date: | Armavir, 1846/1845 BC |
| Death Date: | 1769 BC |
| Issue: | Ara the Handsome |
| Father: | Harma |
| Dynasty: | Haykazuni |
Aram (Born 1846/1845 BC, Armavir, 1769 BC) was a legendary Armenian partriarch and Nahapet of the Armenians.[2] [3]
During his reign the Armenians were united into one state in 1824BC (according to tradition).[4] Aram was the eldest son of Harma,[5] as well as descendant of Hayk Nahapet.[6] [7] Aram had numerous sons and daughters, the eldest of whom was Ara the Handsome.[8]
The name Aram is likely an Armenian word that directly developed from Proto-Indo-European *rēmo-, meaning "black".[9] [10] [11] [12]
The figures of Hayk and Aram, in some aspects, are almost identical. According to the classical work of Manuk Abeghyan, Aram is the second incarnation of Hayk․[13] Moreover, they are both considered to be the epicized versions of the archaic thunder god․[14] On the other hand, there are differences between the figures of Hayk and Aram and between their followers. In an Indo-European context, Hayk represents the first function (sovereignty), while Aram, the only warlike figure of the ethnogonic myth, is an obvious warrior[15] (second function) Hayk is described as an old patriarch, the leader of adult warriors, his sons and sons’ sons, “martial men about three hundred in number”[16] Hayk fights with his adversary within the territory of Armenia, while Aram militates against the enemies in the borderlands and beyond the borders of Armenia.Hayk and Aram could be regarded as counterparts of the Indian Rudra and Indra.
The name of Armenia was derived from Aram, the sixth successor of Hayk, who became so renowned by his exploits that from his time the surrounding nations designated the country as Aramia,[17] after his name, which, in course of time, has been corrupted into the modern nomenclature of "Armenia."[18]
There is an "older link" about Aram (Armenos), the author of which is Strabo.[19] [20] It is not known why Khorenatsi does not mention Strabo's extensive information about Armenia. Nicholas Adontz denied that "testimony" of Strabo, considering the name Armenia "starting" from Armenos to be devoid of any historical basis.[21]
According to tradition, Aram was born in Armavir in 1846 BC or 1845 BC. Aram inherited the throne of his father, and became famous over the whole world, for the prudent and manly bravery which he displayed in the service of his country. He extended his dominion from the mountains of Caucasus to Mount Taurus, and drove all his enemies out of the country, who were very desirous to invade the territories of Armenia, and to oppress the people. Moses of Khoren remarks that “Aram chose rather to suffer death in defence of his country, than see it in subjection to foreigners.”[22] [23]
In his account of the deeds of Aram, Khorenatsi brings stories about his activities conducted against Nukar Mades, Barsham of Assyria and Payapis Kaałeay.
Shortly before Ninos became the ruler of Assyria, Aram, pressed by the surrounding peoples, gathers many brave fellow tribesmen archers and most skillful spearmen, young men and mature, dexterous in fights, bold in heart and ready for battle numbering about fifty thousand. At the borders of Armenia, he meets the young Medes, under the leadership of a certain Nukar, nicknamed Mades,[24] [25] [26] a proud and warlike man, as the same chronicler notes, Similar to an outlaw, like the Kushans, trampling Armenia's borders with the hooves of horses, he oppressed the country for two years. But here Aram, suddenly appearing, even before sunrise, destroys all his hordes and, grabbing Nukar himself, nicknamed Mades, leads him to Armavir and there orders him to be nailed to the wall at the top of the tower by hammermy an iron wedge on his forehead, to the display of passers-by and all who arrived there.[27] [28] [29]
After several generations the second eponymous patriarch of the Armenians, Aram, defeated Barsam, the epicized figure of the god Barsamin. Barsham, a Babylonian prince, three years after invaded Armenia with a large body of troops, at the head of 40,000 infantry and 5,000 cavalry. But he was met by Aram, defeated and slain. Aram immediately after marched toward Cappadocia, defeated the prince of that country and made him prisoner, and appointed Mishag, one of his followers, to the government of Cappadocia, ordering him to force the inhabitants to use only the Armenian language.[30]
This name is similar to the ethnonym of the Mushki and its occurrence along with the name of Aram in Cappadocia fits well the proposed Mushki migration into eastern Asia Minor and the historical situation here during the late Sargon II and Sennacherib.[31]
In the 13th year of Aram's reign (1813 BC), a new Assyrian king ascended the throne in Assur. Armenian chroniclers, including Khorenatsi, identified this king as Ninus; however, the Assyrian king list names him as Shamshi-Adad I, a contemporary of Aram. Ninus was disturbed by the memory of his ancestor Bel's murder for many years. He was plotting revenge to destroy the descendants of brave Hayk and was waiting for the right time.But after seeing the courage and numerous victories of Aram, he had to give Aram the rank of “the second after me (Ninos)”.[32] Ather that Aram, being on strict terms of friendship with Ninus, who not only permitted his reign, but assisted him in the consolidation of his kingdom and the overthrow of his enemies, the chief of whom was Percham of the race of giants, whom they conquered on the plains of Gortouk in Assyria, and the tyrant was killed upon the field of battle. This is partly confirmed by Diodorus Siculus, who says
There is foreign historiography, according to which Aram had several male descendants who "ruled" the countries of the East.[33] [34]