In this lecture for teens and adults, we will explore the remarkable journey of the Epic of Gilgamesh — one of humanity’s oldest stories — from obscurity to rediscovery. We’ll trace how ancient clay tablets were unearthed from ruined palaces and libraries, the challenges faced by scholars in deciphering lost Mesopotamian languages, and how the forgotten world of Sumer was brought back to life through their dedication.
The Epic of Gilgamesh lay buried in silence for two thousand years until archaeologists and linguists unlocked its secrets. Their efforts allowed this ancient text, filled with myths, heroes, and gods, to speak again — bridging millennia and reclaiming its place in our shared cultural memory. In our lecture, we will uncover these stories together.
«Hey friends! If you’re curious about ancient stories and how long-lost worlds can come back to life, I’d love to see you at this lecture. You don’t need to know anything about history or archaeology — just bring your sense of wonder. We’ll talk about how the Epic of Gilgamesh, one of the oldest stories ever told, was forgotten for thousands of years and then rediscovered through some incredible twists of fate. It’s a tale of adventure, mystery, and epic discoveries — both in the ancient past and in modern times. Come and let’s explore this amazing story together!», — Armen Zakharyan.
The lecture will be held in English
12+
Armen Zakharyan
Armen Zakharyan is a philologist, translator, essayist, and literary critic, best known as the creator of the popular YouTube channel "Armen and Fyodor", dedicated to literature.
He was born on December 13, 1988, in Yerevan, Armenian SSR. In 2012, he graduated from the Faculty of Philology at the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN). Armen continued his studies in translation theory at Saint Petersburg State University and Cardiff University, as well as literary theory and criticism at Oxford University.
In 2018, Zakharyan launched the YouTube channel "Armen and Fyodor," where he shares in-depth analyses and reflections on world literature. The channel has gained wide recognition, reaching over 220,000 subscribers by early 2024. One of Zakharyan's notable projects was the "Joyce Project," where he and his subscribers read and analyzed James Joyce's novel Ulysses over 18 weeks.
In 2024, Armen Zakharyan participated in various literary festivals and events, including the Lisbon Festival "Mytholand" and the science festival "Noosphere Fest" in Belgrade. In October 2024, he gave an interview to Yuri Dud, where he discussed world literature and its impact on contemporary society.
On a personal note, Armen is married to Lyubov Ostrovskaya, and in 2024, the couple welcomed their daughter, Vlada. The family resides in Poland.
