Category: History

Posted on

Urartu: The Forgotten Kingdom

Although populated mostly by Armenians, Urartu was ruled (at least during the first centuries) by a non-Armenian and non-Indo-European dynasty. In 782 BC, the Urartian king Argishti I founded the fortified city of Erebuni, which is today’s Yerevan, the capital of Armenia. Another major city in the Valley of Ararat was Argishti-khinili, also founded by Argishti I in the year 775 BC.

In the late VII century BC, Urartu, weakened by Scythian invasions, fell, but after several decades was revived under the Armenian Yervanduni (the Orontides) dynasty with the capital in Armavir, former Argishti-khinili. The revived kingdom was already called Armenia by its neighbors, but in some languages the older name, Urartu, was still in use. In the famous tri-lingual Behistun inscription of Persian king Darius the Great (522-486) the same country is referred to as ‘Armenia’ in the Persian and Elamite versions, and ‘Urartu’ in the Akkadian version.

“Urartu: The Forgotten Kingdom” was filmed for the 2800th anniversary of Yerevan and is the first documentary drama representing the history of the state of Urartu from the moment of its emergence to its fall. The viewer will see scenes from the ancient history of Armenia come to life, as well as famous historical characters – Kings Menua, Argishti and the beautiful Queen of Assyria, Queen Semiramis.

Urartu: The Forgotten Kingdom

Watch the full-length film here:
https://tubitv.com/movies/608312/urartu-the-forgotten-kingdom

Urartu: The Forgotten Kingdom

Written and Directed by: Vaga Vardanyan

Buy or Rent Urartu: The Forgotten Kingdom

Posted on

The Fall of the Roman Empire

We came across this historically intriguing film we wanted to share with our Armenian community. This epic film, produced in 1964, depicts a weakening Roman Empire struggling to maintain its power and defend against a growing number of enemies on all fronts. To do so, Caesar decides to unite Rome and powerful ally Armenia through the marriage of his daughter with Armenia’s king. An all-star cast, including Alec Guiness, Christopher Plummer, Sophia Loren and Omar Sharif, playing the King of Armenia, bring this memorable story to life.

In this short clip, which we found amusing and endearing, Rome’s allies arrive to show their allegiance to Caesar. However, Caesar is somewhat indifferent to most of his allies except when Armenia’s king presents himself.

Watch the full-length film here:

The Fall of the Roman Empire
Posted on

Germany and the Secret Genocide

This film documents how German diplomats and soldiers denied and covered up the deaths of Armenians at the hands of Turkish soldiers in 1915. Some of the German soldiers who denied and covered up the deaths later went on to serve under Hitler during World War II.

“Germany and the Secret Genocide” was directed and produced by Emmy-nominee Dr. J. Michael Hagopian. He utilizes emotional videotaped interviews with Genocide survivors and witnesses, rare German documents and letters and expert interviews to relate this horrific event.

“This film was designed as a memorial for those who lost their lives in the Genocide and to inspire and educate Armenians living outside of the country about their culture and the history of their ancestors,” said Hagopian. “Part of that commitment means telling the truth about history, including the fact that Germany looked the other way as millions were slaughtered simply because they needed Turkey’s support during the war.”

“Germany and the Secret Genocide” is the second installment in the Armenian Film Foundation’s “Witnesses” trilogy. As part of the project, the Armenian-born director has filmed almost 400 eyewitness interviews throughout the world, capturing their accounts of the Armenian Genocide. Of the 11 people featured in “Germany and the Secret Genocide,” only one is still alive.

Dr. Hagopian put aside his career as a political science and economics professor at University of California, Los Angeles to pursue a career developing educational films and documentaries. His dedication has earned him numerous awards, including Emmy nominations – for the writing and production of “The Forgotten Genocide,” the first feature length film on the subject.

Watch the full-length film here:

Germany and the Secret Genocide

Director: J. Michael Hagopian
Release date: May 15, 2003 (United States)
Production company: Armenian Film Foundation

To purchase this film, please visit: Armenian Film Foundation