ABOUT THE TRIBAL PERIOD OF THE HISTORY OF THE ARMENIANS

MURAD OHANYAN

Summary

    In various ancient and medieval genealogical traditions (legends), mythical ancestors, their sons and grandsons, and other generations often obviously embody the tribes and tribal groups of a given nation. There are three strongly represented Armenian tribes that are acknowledged in ancient chronological sources (Urartian, Hebraic, Haldic, Hellenic, Anatolian) as well as in Armenian and Assyrian medieval sources. Revelation of three Armenian tribal unions makes obvious that ancient Armenian states Urartu and other formations known in Armenian plateau, had the same tri-branch structure, which is the striking argument and proof of the fact that during that whole period the ethnic situation of the mentioned area didn't experience any changes. Meanwhile, it turned out that each tribal union had its own dynasty. These dynasties have often simultaneously ruled in tribal regions of ancient Armenia. Besides this, it appears that the main ethnic appellations for the Armenians (hay, armen, kardu) come from the names of three Armenian tribal unions. Revealing the structure of Armenian tribes, becomes obvious the outline of the initial historic period.