Yervandashat

Jerwandaschat, the joy Jerwands (Armenian Երվանդաշատ, also Ervandaschat, English transcription Yervandashat; formerly Kherbeklu and Kheyli - Begli ) is a village in the Armenian province of Armavir. The place has a basilica ruins from the 4th or 5th century and the Saint - Shushanik church from the 17th century.

Outside of the present village are the ruins of ancient Jerwandaschat, a Orontes by the last king of Orontids ( Jerwand ) was founded in the 3rd century BC capital of his empire. The ancient city is located on a cliff above the confluence of the rivers Aras and Achurjan. On the other side of the Achurjan, King Orontes create a fortress called Jerwandakert. According to historian Moses Kagankatvatsi founded Orontes Jerwandaschat to Armavir (near the present city of Armavir ) to replace the capital since Armavir had water problems by shifting the Aras. The idols he had make of Armavir in the also founded religious center after Bagaran few kilometers north-west.

Jerwandaschat city was destroyed around 364 during the campaign Armenia by the Sassanid king Shapur II and deported its inhabitants. After that, the place was no longer its former importance and was replaced by Artaxata. Larger studies found at the archaeological site does not take place, but in the 1980s the fortifications and some palace remains were excavated.