Armenian history dates back to ancient times, with the establishment of the Kingdom of Urartu around the 9th century BCE. The region, located in the South Caucasus, saw the rise of the Armenian Kingdom in the 6th century BCE, which became a significant power in the area. Armenia was the first nation to adopt Christianity as its state religion in 301 CE, marking a pivotal moment in its cultural identity. Throughout the centuries, Armenia faced invasions and occupations by various empires, including the Roman, Persian, and Ottoman Empires. The early 20th century was marked by the tragic events of the Armenian Genocide during World War I, where a significant portion of the Armenian population was killed or displaced. Today, Armenia is an independent nation, rich in cultural heritage and history.