Yerevan is the capital and largest city of Armenia, with a history dating back over 2700 years. It was founded in 782 BC by King Argishti I as the Urartian fortress of Erebuni, to serve as a fort defending against northern tribes. The modern city of Yerevan first emerged around Erebuni in the 7th century AD. It has served as the capital of Armenia since 1918. Key landmarks in Yerevan include Republic Square, the Opera Theater, Tsitsernakaberd Genocide Memorial, the Cascade, and the Matenadaran museum housing ancient manuscripts.