Yervandashat

Yervandashat was the final capital of the Kingdom of the Orontids, taking over from Armavir. King Yervand IV the Last founded it on the left bank of the Araxes River, at the point where the Akhurian River joins it, in the last quarter of the 3rd century BC.

The historian Movses Khorenatsi recorded why the move happened: the Araxes had shifted course and pulled away from the Armavir hill, and in winter the remaining tributary froze solid under cold north winds, cutting off drinking water for the royal court. Khorenatsi describes Yervand seeking a more strongly fortified site and relocating his court westward as a result.

Yervandashat lies in Armavir region, about 72 km west of Yerevan in a straight line, near the confluence of the Araxes and Akhurian rivers.