Images

These are Urartian seals from the Van Kingdom made of bronze and stone. They date from the 8-7th century BCE. (Metsamor Historical-Archaeological Museum-Reserve, Taronik, Armenia)

A modern sculpture representing the 9th century CE Byzantine missionaries Saint Cyril (d. 867 CE) and his brother Saint Methodius. Khanty-Mansisyk, Russia.

A 12th century CE tablet known as the Baska Tablet from Croatia. The Glagolitic script on the tablet was created by Saint Cyril (d. 867 CE), the Byzantine missionary to the Balkans and central Europe. It was the forerunner to the Cyrillic...

A 17th century CE icon depicting Saint Cyril (d. 867 CE), the Byzantine missionary to the Balkans and central Europe.

With entrances from the north, northeast, and northwest, Smbataberd Fortress, in what is present-day Armenia, was a strategic fortress high in the mountains. Used from the 5th-17th centuries, Smbataberd Fortress was used by the medieval princes...

The ancient Smbataberd Fortress (or "castle") dates from the 5th century CE and lies in the Vayots Dzor Province of Armenia. Well preserved, the ruins of citadels, barracks, water pools, and former dwellings for soldiers remain at Smbataberd...

A gold nomisma coin of Byzantine emperor Basil II (r. 976-1025 CE). The obverse shows Jesus Christ (left) while Basil is depicted on the reverse (right). (British Museum, London)

The ancient Smbataberd Castle (or "fortress") is located near the villages of Artabuynk and Yeghegis in the Vayots Dzor Province of Armenia. It is guarded by a long stretch of walls, which are 2-3 m (7-9 ft) thick and 8-10 m (26-33 ft) high...

Armenia's Smbataberd Castle (or "fortress") is located in southeastern Armenia near the villages of Artabuynk and Yeghegis in the Vayots Dzor Province. It was built in a desirable position, guarded by three cliffs, high in the mountains...

The Smbataberd Castle (or "fortress") is also known as "Tsaghats Kar" because it faces a now abandoned monastery. The fortifications cover an area of 6.5 hectares (almost 700,000 sq ft or 16 acres) and is divided by walls on the northern...