Urartus

Urartu was an ancient kingdom that existed around 860–590 BCE in the region of the Armenian Highlands, roughly modern-day eastern Turkey, Armenia, and Iran. Known for their impressive mountain fortresses, advanced metallurgy, and irrigation systems, they played a significant role in early Near Eastern history. Urartu was a powerful and sophisticated civilization, often competing with neighboring empires like Assyria. Their culture influenced later Armenian history, and their remnants include inscriptions, fortresses, and art that provide insight into early Iron Age developments in the region.