Mount Aragats, Volcanic mountain in northwest Armenia

Mount Aragats is an extinct volcano in northwest Armenia, forming the country's highest point at 4,090 meters. Its four summits surround a deep central crater that holds a small lake during summer.

The volcano was built in four phases, the earliest possibly around 2.5 million years ago and the last between 0.56 and 0.45 million years ago, when mafic lava flows came from parasitic vents in the south. Medieval historian Movses Khorenatsi wrote that Aramaneak, son of Hayk, named his lands "the foot of Aragats", the origin of the name Aragatsotn. The province of that name was formed in 1995.

The name Aragats is popularly explained as "Ara's throne," after the legendary hero Ara the Handsome, though this is likely folk etymology. Medieval historian Movses Khorenatsi instead linked it to Aramaneak, son of Hayk. Until the mid-20th century, European and Russian sources often called the mountain Alagöz, Turkish for "variegated eye."

Between June and September, milder temperatures and less snow allow ascents to the summits. Hikers should bring warm clothing, as winds at the top can be cold even in summer.

In 2005 around 250,000 people, including President Robert Kocharyan, formed a 163-kilometre ring around the mountain in a Dance of Unity after a blessing from Catholicos Karekin II. The mass event marked the anniversary of the First Republic of Armenia.