Armenia is one of the smallest of former Soviet republics. It is also the first nation to adopt Christianity in the early 4th century. Over centuries, Armenia has been ruled by the Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Persians and Ottomans. This mountainous terrain is bordered by Turkey on the west, Georgia at the north, Nagorno-Karabakh Republic and Azerbaijan to the east, Iran and the Azerbaijani to the south. The scenic setting of Armenia has been constantly under a threat of some kind of invasion. After the country gained independence in 1918, it fell prey to Red Army invasion of 1920. After finally being freed in 1991, the devastating earthquake of 1988, killed over 25,000 people. At the same time friction between with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh, where140,000 ethnic Armenians reside, began. By 1994, Armenians defeated the Azeris, but the dispute till date remains unsolved. Despite the hardships that Armenia has seen, it is one of the most beautiful tourist spots. The majestic mountains and its rich culture has a hypnotic effect on every visitor. Facts about Armenia ☀ Armenia's original name is Hayk. It was later renamed as Hayastan, when the Iranians captured it. The country is now recognized as the 'Republic of Armenia'. ☀ The Ararat's mountain ranges which surround Armenia, are the ones where Noah's Ark stopped after the flood. ☀ The first ever leather shoe, wine making facility and skirts found in archeological excavations at Armenia, date back to 4000 BC, which shows the advances in civilization in the Bronze Age. ☀ Yerevan, is the capital of Armenia. It was founded by the modern capital of Armenia, by king Argishti I in 782 BC. ☀ The Kingdom of Armenia, which made a significant mark in shaping the land was founded in 600 BC by Orontid Dynasty. However, due to its location which lies at the intersection of Western Asia and Eastern Europe, it was invaded by Assyrians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Mongols, Persians, Ottoman Turks and Russians. ☀ King Tiridates III who ruled from 238 AD to 314 AD, chose Christianity as state religion in 301 AD. ☀ Etchmiadzin Cathedral, is a church built in the 4th century. Today it is one of the oldest Churches in the world. This is a holy place for Armenians as this is where the first conversion to Christianity took place. ☀ Armenia is a part of 40 international organizations. ☀ Khachkar stone memorial at Goshavank Monastery in Armenia, happens to be the place where Armenian law was first written by Mkhitar Gosh in the late 12th century. ☀ In the olden days riches were hidden in swinging column at Haghartsin Monastery in Armenia. ☀ The Azerbaijan government has destroyed thousands of Armenian Khachkars in a systematic manner during their conflict. ☀ Prime Minister Vazgen Sarkisian and Parliamentary Speaker Karen Demirchian were brutally shot dead in 1999 by gunmen in Armenian parliament. ☀ One of the largest lakes in the world, Lake Sevan, is located in the highlands of Armenia. ☀ The Ararat valley has a natural underground lake. ☀ Magili Cavern in the Noravank Gorge, amongst the famous caves in Armenia are about 500 meters deep. ☀ Metallurgy was first studied in Armenia and while astronomy was studied in the ancient city of Metsamor. So, these were some of the interesting facts about Armenia. Sadly, its location has become the reason for battles to capture the land. Despite being subjected to centuries of conflicts, the country has an intriguing history and scenic landscapes.