The Artaxiad (Artashesian) dynasty ruled ancient Armenia from c. 200 BCE to the first decade of the 1st century CE. Founded by Artaxias I, the dynasty would ensure Armenia enjoyed a sustained period of prosperity and regional importance. One of several important Artaxiad rulers was Tigranes the Great, who greatly expanded his kingdom before its ultimate defeat to the Romans in the mid-1st century BCE. Thereafter, the kingdom would become a pawn in the wider politics and wars involving Rome and Parthia.
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Definition
Timeline
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c. 200 BCE - c. 14 CEThe Artaxiad dynasty rules in Armenia.
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c. 200 BCE - c. 160 BCEReign of Artaxias I, founder of the Artaxiad dynasty in Armenia.
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176 BCEArtashat (Artaxata) is made the new capital of Armenia by Artaxias I.
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c. 95 BCE - c. 56 BCEReign of Tigranes II, king of Armenia.
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94 BCEArmenia king Tigranes II annexes the kingdom of Sophene.
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87 BCEArmenian king Tigranes II sacks Ecbatana, the Parthian royal summer residence.
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c. 85 BCEArmenian king Tigranes II begins to use the title "King of Kings".
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83 BCEArmenian king Tigranes II founds a new capital at Tigranocerta (aka Tigranakert).
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69 BCELicinius Lucullus leads a Roman army which defeats Armenian king Tigranes II and his capital Tigranocerta is captured. Artashat becomes the capital again.
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66 BCEPompey the Great attacks the Armenian kingdom of Tigranes II and makes it a Roman protectorate.
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c. 56 BCE - c. 34 BCEReign of Armenian king Artavasdes II.
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53 BCERoman general Marcus Licinius Crassus compels Armenia to provide troops for his campaigns against Parthia.
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34 BCERoman general Mark Antony attacks Armenia. The Armenian king Artavasdes II is taken captive to Alexandria.
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30 BCEArteses (Artashes) II is made king of Armenia by the Parthians.
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20 BCERoman emperor Augustus makes Tigranes III king of Armenia.n
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c. 6 CE - c. 12 CEReign of Tigran V, last Artaxiad king of Armenia.
