The oak of Vardan Mamikonian, 1959

The oak of Vardan Mamikonian was one of the oldest trees in the world. It stood in Armenia, near the village of Aknaghbyur. It is known for having been planted by Vardan Mamikonian before the Battle of Avarayr on 26 May 451. In 1975 the tree was struck by lightning and fell. At that time it was 1524 years old.

The photograph was taken in 1959. About 15 men are standing and sitting on and beside the tree’s huge trunk and roots; several of them are elderly and hold walking sticks. The photograph has been coloured.