The origins of Armenia are shrouded in the mists of time. Heir to the kingdom of Urartu, it emerged at the crossroads of the great civilisations of Mesopotamia, Persia and Anatolia, forging the Armenian identity from the earliest times. With its wild landscapes, its monasteries, most of which date back to the Middle Ages, its tradition of winemaking dating back at least six millennia, and its people, Armenia reveals a profound past, a rich history and a desire to remain alive. There are around 4,000 monasteries in Armenia, each with a unique dome.