ASTRONOMICAL EDUCATION IN ANCIENT ARMENIA

Numerous petroglyphs of astronomical content, ruins of the sites for astronomical observations, Stonehenge-like constructions of smaller sizes as well as astronomical terms and names used in Armenian language since II-I millennia B.C. abundantly evidence that high level astronomical knowledge had been widely exercised in Armenian plateau for many thousands years. Historical chronography mentions Anania Shirakatsi to be the most famous scientist of VII century A.D. who had been teaching astronomy, mathematics and geography. Later on, Armenian astronomers made up several maps of the sky, among which maps by Mkhitar Sebastatsi (1676-1749, who founded the Armenian community in the island of St. Lazar near Venice) and Ghukas (Luca) Vanandetsi (XVII-XVIII centuries) are well-known.

 

 

“Astghalits Erkinq” (“Starry Sky”) by Mkhitar Sebastatsi.