The Peoples of Ararat [Paperback]

Armen Asher (Author), Teryl Minasian Asher (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 30, 2009

There is no story so deeply embedded in the western mind as that of Noah and the ark. It is one of the very first tales we learn as children and it has endured for millennia, haunting the imaginations of believers and non-believers alike. It has inspired countless expeditions to Mount Ararat in search of the ark. Our story, too, will take us to Mount Ararat, but not in search of the ark. Instead, we will go in search of the vanished civilizations born in the shadow of Mount Ararat. The Peoples of Ararat were among the most advanced and powerful people of the ancient world. This is their story, from their elusive beginnings, to their conquests and accomplishments, to their ultimate defeat when they vanished from memory and sank into oblivion. It is also the story of the myths and legends that inspired the recent discoveries of the Peoples of Ararat and of the intrepid archaeologists and explorers who resurrected unsuspected civilizations from the ghostly silence of obscurity.

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: BookSurge Publishing (March 30, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1439225672
• ISBN-13: 978-1439225677
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #924,701 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars New BOok Extols Ancient Civilizations of Mount Ararat, April 30, 2009

By 

Christine A. Derdarian "Mae A. Derdarian, aut... (USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Peoples of Ararat (Paperback)

The Peoples of Ararat is designed for history buffs who, like the authors, Armen Asher and Teryl Minasian Asher, are intrigued by the story of Ararat, which finds its origins in biblical rendition and children's fables.

Using a simple form of transliteration and providing maps depicting the lands of Ararat, the authors breathe life and drama into their vivid narrations about the Hittites, Hurrians, Urartians and Armenians who occupied this long famous region.

Chapters rich with information take the reader on an historical journey which bears witness to the various dynasties and their frequent clashes with one another. Those who believe 1776 was the year the first national constitution was conceived will be surprised to learn somebody else came up with the idea much earlier. The authors reveal the world's first constitution was actually established as early as 1525 BC, lending further credence to the adage that history repeats itself through the centuries.

One of the most compelling sections of The Peoples of Ararat tells the story of the Assyrians as the most feared people in the ancient world. They built one of the greatest empires in history; their armies were large and ruthless; their warriors were cunning and powerful; their network of spies was sophisticated. They ransacked, destroyed and looted every town in their path in their determination to achieve dominance. Reaching its pinnacle in the seventh century BC, the Assyrian Empire had established a tradition of military might and ferocity; but, the Assyrians are also credited with advancing mathematics, architecture, city planning and building the ancient world's greatest library, a remarkable and paradoxical legacy of brut force combined with innovative and inspired leadership.

The authors have skillfully woven an historical page turner that draws the reader into the ancient world and, in the process, illuminated an understanding of our modern dilemmas.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A book of a high level, with a very new approach of the subject, July 14, 2009

By 

HOTELLIER (Marseille FRANCE) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Peoples of Ararat (Paperback)

The authors perfectly reached the aim they defined in the foreword : to present a general history of the ancient Near East that can be understood by non specialist readers.
This book is very well documented and takes into account the most recent researches as shown in the rich bibliography.
It covers about 3000 years of history and offers a comprehensive and synthetic approach of the rise, development and fall of the great empires from the beginnings of Sumer to the end of Urartu.
With an outstanding knowledge of this rich and complex subject, the authors present in a vivid style the turbulent history of the regions from the foothills of the Caucasus to the north of Mesopotamia. They make a precise and lively description of the peoples who founded powerful empires, built monumental cities and developed brillant civilizations. They recount in an attractive manner their life styles, their religions, their cultural and trade relations as well as their fights with their neighbours.
This book, the title of which recalls one of the oldest myths of humanity is very pleasant to read. It also includes fascinating records of major archaeological discoveries of the 19 th century such as Layard's excavations in the north of Mesopotamia.
It therefore can be considered as an excellent introduction for further studies of the ancient Near East.
The particularity of "The Peoples of Ararat" is that it focuses on the Armenian Plateau when most of the time that region is considered as marginal.
The authors point out the important role of the various peoples (Hurrians, Hittites, Urartians...) who lived on the plateau or originated from it.
Furthermore without concluding on a problem still controversial they mention the various hypotheses on the origin of the Armenians and give very valuable information on the beginning of their history.
Another merit of this book is therefore to give back to the Armenians, who were undoubtedly firmly established on the territory of the plateau at least since the period of Urartu, the place they deserve among the peoples who founded brilliant civilizations in the Near East.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Peoples of Ararat, April 2, 2009

By 

Lauren M. Grossman (Chicago) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Peoples of Ararat (Paperback)

How wonderful that this story is finally being told. In The Peoples of Ararat, the authors give a voice to a people who were silenced but yet made great contributions to the world. This work tells a story that allows us to better understand our real history and not just the revisionist history taught from unidimensional perspectives. This book will enable you to better understand our past and how it led us to where we are today.