Figurine of Gaik Nahapet

Hayk Nagapet is the legendary ancestor of the Armenian people, as well as the founder of the first Armenian dynasty, the Haykazuni. Hayk, the great-great-grandson of Japheth, the son of Noah, and the second after the Babylonian king Nimrod at the Tower of Babel, breaks off his connection with the royal court. No longer willing to recognize Nimrod's supreme authority, he and several families of uneducated, rough, and unfamiliar with civil society followers leave Babylon and head towards the southern regions of the Ararat land. Having subdued the ancient inhabitants there and left them under the command of his grandson Cadmus, he moved to the northeast and there laid the foundation for the Armenian monarchy. Nimrod, outraged by Hayk's bold act, ordered him to either return to his kingdom or consider war. Hayk refused Nimrod's command and, addressing his followers, pleaded with them not to dishonor the land of Ararat. He says, "Follow me; let us humble the pride of this conqueror and prove that we are ready to die for the glory of our name and our country. The nations will envy our love for our homeland, and posterity will glorify our name." Encouraged by these words, the warriors followed Guy and engaged the enemy in battle. During the second battle, Guy drew his bow and struck down the proud Nimrod on the battlefield. After this first successful war, the founder of the new monarchy ordered the construction of a city on the site of the battle, naming it Guykashin in honor of the victory.