Podmootiun: The Armenian History Podcast
Two friends, Father Tadeos Barseghyan and Peter Hajinian, discuss Armenian history in a conversational format. They started the podcast after realizing that every time they met, they ended up talking about Armenian history. The show's name is a pun on the Armenian word for history, 'badmutiun'.
Episodes
Episode 44 Kum Kapu Demonstration
Episode 44 - Kum Kapu. Named after the Armenian neighborhood in Constantinople where it took place, the Kum Kapu demonstration on July 27, 1890 is significant in Armenian history for many reasons. We talk about what happened, why it happened, and what it meant for Armenian political parties and the Armenian Question. Don’t forget to like, subscribe and leave a review (which helps more people find
Episode 43 Armenian Queens of Jerusalem
Episode 43 - Armenian Queens of Jerusalem. We talk about Queen Arda, Morphia, and of course, Melisende. We tell their stories, their influence on Jerusalem, and why Fulk of Anjou wasn’t a smart husband. Don’t forget to like, subscribe and leave a review (which helps more people find Podmootiun).
Episode 42 Argishti
Episode 42 - Argishti. King of the ancient kingdom of Urartu from 786 BC to 764 BC, Argishti I left his mark on the ancient world and Armenia in interesting ways. We talk about his military might, his building projects, and his legacy in Yerevan today. Plus, the other people group that claim to be descendants of Urartu. Do you know an Argishti? Let us know on https://www.facebook.com/podmootiun. D
Episode 41 Shushi
Episode 41 - Shushi. We talk about this Armenian city in Artsakh, its history, some of its famous citizens, and Ghazanchetsots Cathedral. Have you been to Shushi? Let us know, and share your pictures on our Facebook page. Don’t forget to like, subscribe and leave a review (which helps more people find Podmootiun).
Episode 40 Mamigonian Family
Episode 40 - The Mamigonian Family. You’ve heard of Vartan Mamigonian. You may even know about Vahan Mamigonian. But what about the rest of the family? We talk about the mysterious origins of the family and how their story interweaves with Armenian history. Don’t forget to like, subscribe and leave a review (which helps more people find Podmootiun).
Episode 39 Khrimian Hayrig
Episode 39 - Khrimian Hayrig. An outspoken voice for the Armenians in the late Ottoman Empire, find out why Khrimian Hayrig is a beloved Catholicos and why he’s famous for his speech entitled “The Paper Ladle.” Get updates and more on www.facebook.com/podmootiun/, and don’t forget to like, subscribe and leave a review (which helps more people find Podmootiun).
Episode 38 Armenian Coins
Episode 38 - Armenian Coins. We talk about Armenian coins with our first guest, Dr. Chuck Hajinian from the Armenian Numismatic & Antiquities Society (https://www.facebook.com/share/g/wkwvPQXXn6Q1th5h/). We discuss the history of Armenian coins, what they tell us about our heritage and our past, and how it’s easier to own a piece of history than you might think. Get updates and more on www.faceboo
Episode 37 King Pap
Episode 37 - King Pap. He made an appearance in our episode on Arshak II, but now we’re telling his story. His reign was only about 5 years, but there’s plenty of Persians, Romans, and Mamikonians. Get updates and more on www.facebook.com/podmootiun/, and don’t forget to like, subscribe and leave a review (which helps more people find Podmootiun).
Episode 36 Nor Julfa
Episode 36 - Nor Julfa. Also called Nor Jugha and New Julfa, this city in Iran has an interesting story and history. We talk about the original city of Julfa in Nakhichevan, why Shah Abbas moved over a hundred thousand Armenians to be near his imperial capital, and how some Armenian families of New Julfa became known even in the Far East. Get updates and more on www.facebook.com/podmootiun/, and d
Episode 35 Sayat Nova
Episode 35 - Sayat Nova. Gusan, troubadour, itinerant bard. We talk about the life, loves and music of one of our greatest poets. Get updates and more on www.facebook.com/podmootiun/, and don’t forget to like, subscribe and leave a review (which helps more people find Podmootiun).
Episode 34 Queen Zabel
Episode 34 - Queen Zabel. As the daughter of Levon the Great, and grandmother to a grand total of 5 kings, this Cilician queen is the only Armenian queen to make it onto a coin. But despite leaving quite a legacy, her life wasn’t exactly easy. We cover it all on this episode, including who Gundstable was. Get updates and more on www.facebook.com/podmootiun/, and don’t forget to like, subscribe and
Episode 33 Yeghishe Charents
Episode 33 - Yeghishe Charents. Who was Yeghishe Charents? We were both surprised to learn the answer. Living during the pivotal and chaotic world of the early 20th Century, Charents captured the spirit of the Armenian people in his poetry. He also suffered a lot. We cover it all in this episode. What’s your favorite Charents poem? Get updates and more on www.facebook.com/podmootiun/, and don’t f
Episode 32 Coronation Of Levon The Great
Episode 32 - Coronation of Levon the Great. In this episode we talk about the coronation of the first king of the Armenian kingdom of Cilicia in January of 1198 AD. Find out about the events that lead to this crowning, why he’s called “the king of great works”, and why Barbarossa plays a role in Armenian history. Check out our Facebook page for a picture of a Levon the Great coronation tram, updat
Episode 31 Erebuni
Episode 31 - Erebuni. This Bronze Age fortress not only overlooks Yerevan, it’s the reason the modern Armenian capital is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited city. Founded in 782 BC by the Urartian king Argishti, this is the story of Yerevan long before they built the Cascade. Have you been to the museum at Erebuni? Share your experience on our Facebook page. Get updates and more on w
Episode 30 Battle Of Sardarabad
Episode 30 - Battle of Sardarabad. This important battle site is also an important stop on most tours of Armenia. We talk about the events that led up to this battle, the heroes involved, what happened in the aftermath, and why it’s important to remember battles like this today. Have you been to Sardarabad? Share your experience on our Facebook page. Get updates and more on www.facebook.com/podmoo
Episode 29 Being Armenian - American
Episode 29 - Being Armenian-American. Our hosts tell us their experiences of being Armenians who live in America, and what it means to them. Plus, we talk about food, culture, pronouncing Armenian last names, what it’s like to grow up Armenian in a small community, and why the Armenians didn’t invent baseball. Get updates and more on www.facebook.com/podmootiun/, and don’t forget to like, subscrib
Episode 28 Arshak II
Episode 28 - Arshak II. A beautiful queen, an angry Persian shah, and the Castle of Oblivion—the story of this Armenian king is so tragic, it has its own opera. With a vibrant cast of characters and many twists and turns, it starts out as a story about an Armenian king who has to keep the Romans and Persians happy and ends up as a haunting precursor for the Battle of Avarayr. But it’s not all sad.
Episode 27 City Of Ani
Episode 27 - City of Ani. The City of 1,001 Churches, Ani was a medieval Armenian capital on the Silk Road. Now, it’s a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, famous for its impressive ruins, and a popular girl’s name. The site of Ani is now in Turkey, but did you know it’s only 400 meters from the Armenian border? If you know an Ani, you should listen to this episode. Leave a comment on our Faceboo
Episode 26 Kingdom Of Cilicia
The Silk Road, the Crusades, the Mongols, and the last Armenian king…the story of the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia has it all. There’s King Levon, who was friends with Richard the Lionheart of England. There’s Queen Zabel, the only Armenian queen on a coin. And there’s King Hetoum II who abdicated (twice!) to become a Franciscan monk. And we haven’t even gotten to the reason why the Catholicos move
Episode 25 Armenian Emperors Of Byzantium
Episode 25 - Armenian Emperors of Byzantium. Did you know that an Armenian sat on the throne of the Eastern Roman Empire? In fact, more than a dozen Byzantine Emperors claimed Armenian origin. We take you through some of the highlights. Who’s your favorite Armenian Emperor of Byzantium? Leave a comment on our Facebook page. Get updates and more on www.facebook.com/podmootiun/, and don’t forget to
Episode 24 Armenian Language
Episode 24 - Armenian Language and its Origins. Paree yegak/Bari Galust/Welcome to an episode about the Armenian language. What’s the different between Eastern Armenian, Western Armenian and Karapar (Classical Armenian)? What’s the closest language related to Armenian? Where did it all begin? Find out in this episode. Leave a comment on our Facebook page. Get updates and more on www.facebook.com/p
Episode 23 The Matenadaran
Episode 23 - The Matenadaran. Officially known as the Mesrob Mashdots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts, this complex in Yerevan is the largest repository of Armenian manuscripts. In this episode we talk about all our favorite parts, and the statues that stand out front. Can you name them? Leave a comment on our Facebook page. Get updates and more on www.facebook.com/podmootiun/, and don’t forget t
Episode 22 Soviet Armenia
Episode 22 - Soviet Armenia. For 70 years, Armenia was a part of the USSR. In this episode, we talk through some of the history, some of the culture, and some of the effects of those years. What are some of your favorite memories of Soviet Armenia? Leave a comment on our Facebook page. Get updates and more on www.facebook.com/podmootiun/, and don’t forget to like, subscribe and leave a review.
Episode 21 First Republic Of Armenia
Episode 21 - First Republic of Armenia. Also known as “The 1,000 Day Republic”, it served as the first time Armenian had an independent country since the Middle Ages, and was the foundation for the current (third) republic of Armenia. Can you guess what the second republic was? Leave a comment on our Facebook page. Get updates and more on www.facebook.com/podmootiun/, and don’t forget to like, sub
Episode 20 David Of Sassoun
Episode 20 David Of Sassoun by Podmootiun
Episode 19 St Gregory Of Narek
Episode 19 - St. Gregory of Narek. A saint in both the Armenian Apostolic and the Armenian Catholic churches, St. Gregory of Narek’s Book of Lamentations has been an inspiration for the past thousand years. In this episode we talk about his life, his work, and what his connection is with the American actor John Malkovich. Leave a comment on our Facebook page. Get updates and more on www.facebook.c
Episode 18 Ashot II Yerkat
Episode 18 - Ashot II Yerkat. In this episode we get to know the Armenian Iron Man. Find out how this Bagratuni king had to defend the throne from threats inside and outside his borders, and why he’s still revered today. Leave a comment on our Facebook page. Get updates and more on www.facebook.com/podmootiun/, and don’t forget to like, subscribe and leave a review.
Episode 17 King Abgar And Iconography
Episode 17 - King Abgar And Iconography. Armenians have invented a lot of things, and according to Moses Khorenatsi, they may have had a hand in the invention of iconography. Our story starts with leprosy and a letter to Jesus. Find out what happened and why King Abgar became a saint in this episode. Do you have a favorite icon? Leave a comment on our Facebook page. Get updates and more on www.fac
Episode 16 Martin The Armenian
Episode 16 - Martin the Armenian. Armenians are proud of our many firsts, and being one of the first settlers at Jamestown is no exception. Meet Martin the Armenian, a man born in New Julfa in Persia who finds fame as a tobacco grower in the British colony of Virginia. What happens after that? You’ll have to listen to find out. What have you heard about Martin the Armenian? Leave a comment on our
Episode 15 Armenian Monasteries and Churches of Artsakh
Episode 15 - Armenian Monasteries & Churches of Artsakh. In this special episode of Podmootiun, we’re sharing a Father Tad Talk about the Armenian Monasteries & Churches of Artsakh. Have you been to one of these churches or monasteries? Tell us about it on our Facebook page. Get updates and more on www.facebook.com/podmootiun/.
Fr. Tad Talks
Here’s where you can watch the Father Tad Talk on Arme
Episode 14 Armenian Musical Instruments
Episode 14 - Armenian Musical Instruments. Duduk, dhol, zurna and more. We can’t play any of them, but we can talk about them. How many have you heard of? How many do you play? Post it on our Facebook page. Get updates and more on www.facebook.com/podmootiun/.
Episode 13 Mount Ararat
Episode 13 - Mount Ararat. Not only is it an impressive and majestic mountain, it’s a symbol of Armenia! We discuss the various names of Mount Ararat, the legends about the mountain, and Noah’s Ark. Plus, places you might run into a picture of Mount Ararat. Ever take a selfie with the holy mountain? Post it on our Facebook page. Get updates and more on www.facebook.com/podmootiun/.
Episode 12 Armenian Last Names
Episode 12 - Armenian Last Names. Where did they come from? What do they mean? What’s the difference between names that end in “yan” and “ian”? So many questions! We try to answer them all in this episode, as well as talk about some interesting names that have (possibly) surprising translations. What does your last name mean? Leave a comment, get updates and more on www.facebook.com/podmootiun/.
Episode 11 San Lazzaro
Episode 11 - The Mekhitarist Monastery of San Lazzaro. Venice, the city of canals, gondolas, and Armenian antiquities. You read that right: one of the most important repositories of Armenian manuscripts and historical items is on the island of San Lazzaro. Find out how it was founded and what’s there. Have you been? Leave a comment, get updates and more on www.facebook.com/podmootiun/.
Episode 10 Gomidas
Episode 10 - Gomidas / Komitas. We talk about the life, schooling, musical career, and his tragic end of the priest who was born Soghomon Soghomanian and became famous as Gomidas/Komitas. Plus, we discuss our favorite Gomidas songs. What’s yours? Leave a comment, get updates and more on www.facebook.com/podmootiun/.
Episode 9 Mythology
Episode 9 - Mythology. Just like most ancient cultures, Armenia has a unique and rich mythology. From the gods of Urartu to the legend of Ara the Beautiful, we talk about the myths of the Armenians. Some of these you might have heard, some of these might be new. Which one is your favorite? Get updates and more on www.facebook.com/podmootiun/.
Episode 8 Khatchkars
In this episode, we talk about the unique Armenian work of art that is khatchkars, or cross stones. Find out their history, the symbolism, and how you can get one made. Also, we try to get to the bottom of the 50 uses for khatchkars. Get updates and more on www.facebook.com/podmootiun/.
Episode 7 Urartu
Episode 7 - Urartu. Also known as the Kingdom of Van, this Iron Age kingdom (860 BC to 590 BC) is known for founding Yerevan, harassing the great Assyrian Empire, and being named on the world’s oldest map. We talk about all of this, and more. Get updates and more on www.facebook.com/podmootiun/.
Episode 6 ArmenianAlphabet
Episode 6 - The Armenian Alphabet. Created by Mesrob Mashdots by divine inspiration in 404 AD, the Armenian alphabet is unlike any other—it was especially created for the Armenian language. It started out as thirty-six letters, later to grow to thirty-nine, and over the centuries has become an important part of Armenian expression: in literature, in illuminated manuscripts, and as art itself. Do y
Episode 5 Women And The Conversion Of Armenia
Episode 5 - Women and the Conversion of Armenia. Santukhd, Gayane, Hripsime, Khosrovidukhd. Four women who played important roles in the spread of Christianity in Armenia and the conversion in 301 AD. In this episode, we share their stories. Get updates and more on www.facebook.com/podmootiun/.
Episode 4 Avarayr
Episode 4 - The Battle of Avarayr. Led by Vardan Mamigonian (or Vartan Mamikonian), the Armenian forces fought for the freedom of religion and identity against their Persian overlords in this battle in 451 AD. Find out why Shakespeare would have loved it, and why the battle had to be fought in the first place. Get updates and more on www.facebook.com/podmootiun/.
Episode 3 Tigran The Great
Episode 3 - Tigran the Great. The Greeks have Alexander the Great, the Russians have Peter the Great, the Armenians have Tigran the Great. Not only did he fight the Romans and Parthians, he built an empire that stretched from Iran to Israel (Caspian to the Mediterranean) and made Armenia a political and military force to be reckoned with in the last hundred years before Christ. Not bad for a princ
Episode 2 Movses Khorenatsi
Episode 2 - Moses Khorenatsi. The Father of Armenian History. A young man from a tiny village in Armenia is sent to the center of learning in the ancient world, Alexandria in Egypt, only to return to Armenia to find his sponsors gone and his country turned against him politically. But it’s what happens nearly a half century later that makes this an impressive story. Get updates and more on https:/
Episode 1 Hayk
Episode 1: Hayk Nahapet
The story of Hayk and the beginning of the Armenian people.
Father Tadeos Barseghyan and Peter Hajinian are two friends who found that every time they got together, they’d end up talking about Armenian history. There must be other people that also talk about Armenian history, they said. So they started this podcast.
"Pod-mootiun" is a pun based on the Armenian word for “h
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