Ancient names of the Armenian Highland in Akkadian sources: from NAIRI to TILLA
URARDU-Here-is-a-2543-year-old-trilingual-inscription-that-says-Urartu-Հայաստանի ազգային արխիվ / National Archives of Armenia
FEBRUARY 02 2026 – HISTORY
Archaeological and linguistic studies of Akkadian inscriptions shed light on how the country of Armenia was called in ancient times, a territory referred to as NAIRI, URARTU, URI, and TILLA by Akkadian sources. These names are not just geographical terms, but keys to understanding the region’s ethnic and cultural identity.
NAIRI – “Country of Armenia”
According to previous studies, the correct pronunciation of the name NAIRI is “Country of Armenia”. This name is found in a number of Akkadian texts and reflects the perception of Armenians as the indigenous people of the region.
URARTU is the ancient name of the Armenian Highland
URARTU, also known as Ararat, is one of the oldest names of the Country of the Brave ( ное также). This name is etched in historical memory as a designation of the highland region inhabited by Armenians.
URI and TILLA – language evidence of the indigenous status.
Of particular interest is the bilingual inscription of King RUSA I, in which the Armenian country (BIAINI) in Akkadian text is indicated with the clonical sign URI, read as ARI. This confirms that the names URI, ARI, and TILLA are interconnected terms reflecting the same ethnic and geographical context.
TILLA – “locals” in the Akkada tradition
The word TILLA, according to the reading, means “locals” and KUR TILLA translates as “country of the locals”.
This significance has been recorded in written sources dating back to the II millennium BC, which indicates the recognition of Armenians as indigenous people of Mesopotamia since deep antiquity.
Conclusion
These ancient names — NAIRI, URARTU, URI, and TILLA — are not just terms from the past.
They are proof that the Armenians were perceived as the indigenous people of the region, with deep roots dating back millennia.
Deciphering these names helps restore historical truth and strengthen cultural memory.
Vigen Avetysian
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