formerly Erivan
City (pop., 1995 est.: 1,248,700), capital of Armenia.
Fortified since the 8th century BC and part of Armenia since the 6th century BC, it developed as an important centre of the caravan trade. Over the centuries, it was ruled by many, including the Romans, Arabs, Turks, and Russians, falling to the latter group in 1827. In 1920 it became the capital of independent Armenia and remained so during the period of Soviet rule and after independence was restored. Its industries include those producing chemicals, aluminum, automobiles, and electrical machinery.