The name Varazdat has an interesting etymology, with its roots in Middle Persian. Derived from the word war?z meaning “boar” combined with d?tan “to give,” Varazdat has been interpreted to roughly mean “given by boars” or “giver of boars,” showcasing a connection to the symbolism of valor and fierceness associated with the boar. This fascinating aspect of the name adds depth to the historical context in which Varazdat’s achievements took place.
Shifting our focus to the ancient traditions of the Olympic Games, it’s remarkable to consider the origins of this global phenomenon. Originating as part of a religious cult in ancient Greece, the Games held significant cultural and symbolic value. The town of Olympia, where the Games were held, was considered a sacred place by the Greeks, emphasizing the spiritual and communal significance of the event. Winners of the Games were not only celebrated for their athletic prowess but were also honored as heroes in times of war, underscoring the intersection of physical prowess, valor, and cultural prestige.
The preservation of historical artifacts related to the Olympic Games provides a tangible link to the past. The Museum of the Olympic Games, located in the city of Olympia in Greece, serves as a repository of ancient history and athletic prowess. The oldest marble board housed in the museum, featuring the names of Olympic Games victors, offers a direct connection to the individuals who achieved greatness in this esteemed arena. The board’s record of Varazdat’s triumph in 385 adds a layer of historical depth, providing a glimpse into the achievements of a future king of Great Armenia in the realm of athletic competition.
Delving into the specifics of Varazdat’s victory sheds light on the nature of the ancient sporting events. Varazdat’s championship in fist-fighting, a discipline that entered the program of games in 688 BC, underscores the raw and intense nature of early athletic competitions. The inherent risks associated with fist-fighting, including the potential for severe injury or even death, highlight the extreme physicality and resilience required of the competitors. Furthermore, the historical context of the competitions, held in the sacred confines of Olympia in front of the majestic 9-meter altar of Zeus, adds a mystical and ceremonial dimension to Varazdat’s feat.
The absence of weight restrictions and rounds in these early contests, along with the absence of breaks during bouts that could extend for hours, exemplifies the unyielding determination and endurance exhibited by the athletes. The use of leather straps to augment the force of the fighters’ fists underscores the primal and challenging nature of the competition. These details enrich our understanding of the physical and cultural landscape in which Varazdat achieved his triumph, encapsulating the spirit of ancient athletic endeavors and the enduring legacy of the Olympic Games.

According to the “Chronicle of Eusebius,” the Olympic Games were banned in 394 by Emperor Theodosius as pagan. Accurate evidence of the latest games is missing: it is believed that the 293rd Olympic Games did not take place. Thus, the Armenian king Varazdat was one of the last winners of the ancient games.
Movses Khorenatsi wrote about the reign of Varazdat: “The philosopher Augustus from Theodosia, nicknamed the Great, in the twentieth year of his reign appointed Varazdat from the same dynasty of Arshakuni as the king of Armenia instead of the Pap.” Varazdat was young, bold, and strong, very skillful and smart. At the time, he fled from Shapouh and, having come to the palace of the emperor, accomplished many feats. First, he defeated the fist fighters in Pisa, then in the City of the Sun, Hellada, he beat the lions, and then at the Olympic Games, he was honored, and the feats he accomplished could be compared with the deeds of St. Trdat.
Varazdat’s victory is also known from a surviving memorandum which is now kept at the Olympic Museum in Olympia, Greece.
An initiative from the Armenian National Olympic Committee on May 8, 1998, a statue bust of Varazdat was installed at the International Olympic Academy in Olympia, Greece.
Varazdat’s legacy remains an important part of the historical narrative not only for Armenia but also for the Olympic Games, symbolizing the remarkable achievements and prowess of an ancient king who left an indelible mark on the ancient world.