ArmInfo. Today Yerevan celebrates its 2798th anniversary. The municipality has organized various festive events, related to which certain streets of the city will be closed today. A number of special guests has arrived in Yerevan: Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo has already visited Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex early in the morning and laid flowers, Minister of Moscow Government Vladimir Petrosyan, Mayor of Italian Carrara city Angelo Zubbani, as well as Stepanakert Mayor Stepan Grigoryan are attending the festive events.
The history of Yerevan dates back to the 8th century BC, with the founding of the fortress of Erebuni in 782 BC by king Argishti I at the western extreme of the Ararat plain. Erebuni was "designed as a great administrative and religious centre, a fully royal capital. The cuneiform inscription found at Erebuni Fortress reads: "By the greatness of the God Khaldi, Argishti, son of Menua, built this mighty stronghold and proclaimed it Erebuni for the glory of Biainili [Urartu] and to instill fear among the king's enemies". This happened 2798 years ago 29 years prior to establishment of Rome. Old Yerevan played an important role in Armenia's economic and political life for many years. The city got its current style in the 1930ies of the 20th century due to architect Alexander Tamanyan.