History of Arzamas

Arzamas was founded as a fortress in 1578 (probably on the place of the settlement of Mordovian people which was ruined by khan Bulat-Temir), on the place which was called Arzamas-Mordovian city.

The name of the city came from the personal name Arzemas (Arzamas) which is often mentioned in books and written sources in the XVII century. In the root of the word is Mordovian word "to think, to desire". Arzamas means "desired".

Since 1719 Arzamas became the main city of the province which was in the Nizhegordskay region.

In 1802-1962 in Arzamas the first Russian provincial school of arts was created by painter F.V. Stupin.