Argishti I Travel Guide

The Argishti I statue is a monument dedicated to Argishti I, the Urartian king credited with founding the city of Erebuni in 782 BC, which later became Yerevan. The statue is located near the Erebuni Fortress, on Erebuni Square. It stands as a tribute to Armenia's rich history and the Urartian civilization.The monument, created by sculptor Levon Tokmajyan and architect Eduard Baroyan, was erected in 2002. It portrays Argishti I in a chariot drawn by horses, symbolizing his power and the kingdom's military strength. The statue is constructed from black and orange tuff, a volcanic stone common in Armenia.Argishti I ruled the Kingdom of Urartu from 786 to 764 BC, a period considered the zenith of its power. He expanded the kingdom's territory and influence through military campaigns and construction projects, including the city-fortresses of Erebuni and Argishtikhinili. He also developed infrastructure such as water channels, temples and palaces. The statue not only commemorates Argishti I, but also provides a place for appreciating Armenian history.