It is difficult to situate this architectural style within precise geographical or chronological limits,[1] but many of its monuments were created in the regions of historical Armenia, the Armenian Highlands.

Toros Toramanian distinguished the following classical styles while studying these variations in the early 20th century:[4] Armenian architecture, as it originates in an earthquake-prone region, tends to be built with this hazard in mind.

[6] Urartian architecture is known for its use of intricately cut rocks, used as foundations for mud brick buildings, usually constructed in a compact manner (such as in Erebuni).

Urartian temples had massive stone walls at lower levels and a relatively small interior space, usually square, and rose high; they were generally placed at the highest point of a site.

The angles, number of columns, and dimensions were created with a careful eye; Armenian pagans wanted to appease the gods and protect humanity from their wrath.

Beyond that, the Armenian churches describe us the general landscape of the Christian East at a time when eyewitness accounts were exceedingly rare.

In their messages of authenticity and legitimacy, the churches shaped and preserved public memory, negotiating among diverse linguistic, religious, political, and ethnic groups.

[10] From the 9th to 11th century, Armenian architecture underwent a revival under the patronage of the Bagratid dynasty with a great deal of building done in the area of Lake Van, this included both traditional styles and new innovations.

[7] Many new cities and churches were built during this time, including a new capital at Lake Van and a new Cathedral on Akdamar Island to match.

The last great period in classic Armenian construction was under the Iranian Safavid Shahs, under which a number of new churches were built, usually at existing holy sites such as Etchmiadzin as well as in diaspora communities like New Julfa.

A number of architectural masterpieces were built in the Kumayri historic district of Alexandropol and Yerevan, as well in Kars, which is now a part of the Republic of Turkey.

Reports (see RFE/RL) and photographs from observers in Iranian territory emerged at the end of 2005 showing Azeri soldiers making deliberate attempts to destroy the gravestones.

[12] One of the most noticeable cases was the creation of Northern Avenue in Yerevan as per original plans of Alexander Tamanian, which destroyed the rich architectural heritage located in the area.

Out of them the most noticeable surviving examples are the following: The tumultuous past of Armenia over the last millennium has resulted in the formation of an extensive Armenian diaspora in various corners of the globe.

This influence is most evident in the sacred architecture of churches built by the Armenian community, where designs based on historic landmarks such as the cathedrals of Ani, Zvartnots and Etchmiadzin have been used as inspirational templates to construct these structures in their new surroundings.

Khachkars have also become additional signifiers of Armenian identity and have been erected in recent year in cities such as Wrocław, Kraków, Elbląg in Poland, Novi Sad in Serbia, Beirut in Lebanon as well as in Dearborn, Michigan.