Old Armenian

Old Armenian, or Classical Armenian, is the ancient form of the Armenian language used from the 5th to the 17th centuries. Developed by the scholar Mesrop Mashtots in 405 AD, it became the liturgical and literary language of Armenian Christians. It differs from modern Armenian in pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar, and is primarily studied today for historical, religious, and literary purposes. Although no longer spoken conversationally, Old Armenian is key to understanding Armenia’s cultural heritage, religious texts, and early literature.