Amram’s Fortress, nestled in the village of Berd in Armenia’s Tavush Province, carries a storied past steeped in the saga of Ashot Yerkat. This ancient fortress, now in ruins, was once a bastion of resilience against Arab invaders during medieval times. According to legend, Ashot Yerkat fortified his position within this impregnable stronghold, outlasting a prolonged siege with resourceful survival strategies, even when the enemy cut off the fortress’s vital water supply.
Abandoned since the 14th century, the fortress today presents a sad yet intriguing tableau of decay, with its entry points lost to time, denying passage to modern explorers and keeping its secrets intact. Further enveloping Amram’s Fortress in myth is its connection to the tragic tale of unrequited love, immortalized in Muratsan’s historical novel “Gevorg Marzpetuni.” Legend has it that Ashot Yerkat’s frequent visits to this remote bastion were driven by his forbidden affection for the beautiful Aspram, wife of Tslik Amram. Recent archaeological digs near the site have uncovered a skeleton adorned with noblewoman’s jewelry, speculated to belong to Aspram herself, lending a poignant layer to the fortress’s historical tapestry.
Amram’s Fortress remains a symbol of enduring strength and tragic romance, echoing the tumultuous history and enduring stories of Armenia’s past.
