The Armenian History Podcast. 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. Podmootiun…
The Podmootiun: The Armenian History Podcast is a truly exceptional podcast that delves deep into the multifaceted and rich history of Armenia. From the moment I discovered this podcast, I was overjoyed to find such a well-produced show that not only educates but also entertains with its humor and friendly banter. The hosts, Father Tadeos and Peter, are incredibly authentic and their passion for the subject matter shines through in every episode.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is the compelling topic it covers. Armenian history is vast and often overlooked, but Father Tadeos and Peter do an excellent job of highlighting key events and figures throughout history. They not only cover the "greatest hits" but also ensure that they celebrate the broad span of Armenian history. This comprehensive approach allows listeners to grasp the true meaning of Armenian patmutyun (history) and provides a well-rounded understanding of this ancient civilization.
Furthermore, what sets The Podmootiun apart from other history podcasts is the natural conversational manner in which each episode is presented. The hosts have a remarkable ability to make complex historical topics approachable and interesting for anyone, regardless of their familiarity with Armenia's history. Their engaging discussions draw you in, making you feel as if you're sitting with them at a coffee shop having an enlightening conversation.
While it's difficult to find any significant flaws in The Podmootiun, it's worth noting that there may be occasional points of uncertainty or ambiguity when discussing certain aspects of Armenian history. However, what sets this podcast apart is the candor with which these points are addressed by the hosts. Instead of glossing over uncertainties or presenting speculation as fact, Father Tadeos and Peter openly acknowledge areas where information may be lacking or debated among historians. This level of honesty adds credibility to their research and fosters an atmosphere of authenticity within the show.
In conclusion, The Podmootiun: The Armenian History Podcast is an exceptional podcast that deserves high praise. It not only educates listeners about the history of one of the world's oldest civilizations but also keeps that history alive in Armenian culture today. With its compelling topics, authentic hosts, and natural conversational style, this podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in diving deep into the fascinating world of Armenian history. Whether you are familiar with Armenia's rich past or just discovering it for the first time, The Podmootiun is sure to captivate and enlighten you at every turn.
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.facebook.com/podmootiun/, and don't forget to like, subscribe and leave a review (which helps more people find Podmootiun).
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. 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 don't forget to like, subscribe and leave a review (which helps more people find Podmootiun).
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. 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 leave a review (which helps more people find Podmootiun).
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 forget to like, subscribe and leave a review (which helps more people find Podmootiun).
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, 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 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 www.facebook.com/podmootiun/, and don't forget to like, subscribe and leave a review (which helps more people find Podmootiun).
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/podmootiun/, and don't forget to like, subscribe and leave a review (which helps more people find Podmootiun). Note: This episode was recorded in August of 2022, before the recent attacks on Armenia and blockade of the Lachin corridor.
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, subscribe and leave a review.
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. What's your favorite part of Arshak's story?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 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 Facebook page. Get updates and more on www.facebook.com/podmootiun/, and don't forget to like, subscribe and leave a review.
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 moved there. It's all in this packed episode. 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 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 like, subscribe and leave a review.
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/podmootiun/, and don't forget to like, subscribe and leave a review.
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 to like, subscribe and leave a review.
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. 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, subscribe and leave a review.
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.com/podmootiun/, and don’t forget to like, subscribe and leave a review.
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. 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.facebook.com/podmootiun/, and don’t forget to like, subscribe and leave a review.
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 Facebook page. Get updates and more on www.facebook.com/podmootiun/, and don’t forget to like, subscribe and leave a review.
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 Armenian Monasteries & Churches of Artsakh, https://www.facebook.com/frtadeos/videos/3509831259084020/. Humanitarian Help For Artsakh & Armenia You can donate online at www.saintsahag.org, please select "Artsakh & Armenia emergency relief" from the drop down menu. You can also contribute online at https://www.armeniafund.org or https://www.himnadram.org as well. Thank you for your support.
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. 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. 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 - 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 / 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. 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/.
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. 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 - 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 you have a favorite letter in the Armenian alphabet? Find out what ours is. Get updates and more on www.facebook.com/podmootiun/.
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 - 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. 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 prince who spent most of his life as a hostage. Plus, find out his connection to one of Rome’s greatest scourges. Get updates and more on https://www.facebook.com/podmootiun/.
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://www.facebook.com/podmootiun/.
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 “history”— “badmutiun.”
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