The current territory of Vardenis was part of the Sotk canton of historic Syunik.

According to traditional legends, the settlement was founded as Geghamabak by Gegham who was the grandson of the legendary Hayk - legendary patriarch and founder of the Armenian nation.

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Goris has been known as Kores and Gorayk. However, there are several explanations for the origin of the name. It is supposed that the name Goris is derived from the Indo-European prelanguage words and has meaning a rocky place. There was a dwelling in the ancient times in the same area of the town.

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This settlement was first mentioned in 1289. The village had four churches of 13 - 14 th cc., and two monasteries. It is located at an altitude of 2 000 meters above sea level.

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