Bagaran

Bagaran, one of the twelve historical capitals of ancient Armenia, stood on the Akhuryan River in the Ayrarat province of Greater Armenia, where that river runs down toward the Araks. It was founded during the reign of the Orontid dynasty.

The city's importance went well beyond that list. At one point it served as the chief religious center of Urartu. Centuries later, the Bagratuni dynasty made Bagaran their first capital.

Records thin out after that.

The site is now identified with the village of Kilittashi, on the Akhuryan's right bank, just north of where the river meets the Araks. What remains visible on the ground isn't documented here — best checked locally before making the trip.

Bagaran lies in Armavir region, on the Akhuryan River near its confluence with the Araks, roughly 70 km west of Yerevan.