Description |
This thesis analyzes the viability of the Armenian Hypothesis, which places the Proto-Indo-European homeland in the Armenian Highland (Gamkrelidze & Ivanov 1990, Kavoukjian 1987). Arguments supporting the hypothesis are evaluated in the light of linguistic, archeological, and genetic evidence. After a thorough evaluation, I find that the Armenian Hypothesis lacks any evidence that positively differentiates it from the Pontic Steppe Hypothesis and fails to provide for several linguistic and archeological facts. It is concluded that for a revised version of the Armenian Hypothesis to be compelling, additional archeological evidence supporting it would need to be found in the Armenian Highland (a sadly under-researched region) and additional details would need to be provided concerning Indo-European fragmentation, migration, and subsequent dialectal development. |