Armenia at the Beginning of the New Era

The history of Armenia in the 2nd-3rd centuries is shrouded in mystery, with scarce information available. However, the fragments that remain allow us to glimpse the development paths of the country and the progress achieved in various fields, including economy and culture.

The Reign of King Sanatruk

In the 80s, King Trdat I was succeeded by King Sanatruk. During his reign, the city of Mtsurk was founded in the valley of the Aratsani River. This city served as the capital or royal residence for a time before being destroyed by an earthquake and subsequently abandoned.

Roman Invasion and Influence

In 114, the Roman Emperor Trajan invaded Armenia, declaring it a Roman province. His army occupied Mesopotamia, Babylonia, and the Parthian capital of Ctesiphon, reaching as far as the Persian Gulf. However, Trajan’s death soon after meant that his ambitious campaign had no lasting impact.

Vagharsh I and the Founding of Vagharshapat

From 117 to the 140s, Vagharsh I, the son of Sanatruk, ruled Armenia. He founded the city of Vagharshapat (now Echmiadzin) on the site of the former trading settlement of Vardgesavan. This “New City” was fortified with walls and would later become the future capital of Armenia.

Diplomatic Maneuvers of Vagharsh II

In the early 180s, Vagharsh II ascended to the throne. During the eastern campaign of Emperor Septimius Severus in 194, Vagharsh II skillfully used diplomacy and gifts to avert danger from Armenia. The country soon freed itself from the Roman garrison left in Vagharshapat in 163 and even received monetary subsidies to bolster its military forces. The Armenian king was also granted land in Cappadocia.

The Arshakuni Dynasty

With Vagharsh II and his successor, Khosrov I, the unbroken line of the Armenian Arshakuni dynasty began. Prior to this, Armenian kings were often relatives of the Parthian king. In 215, Emperor Antoninus Caracalla attempted to convert Armenia and neighboring Osroene into Roman provinces, imprisoning their kings, including Khosrov I, who died in captivity.

The Rise of Trdat II

Despite Caracalla’s actions, the Roman commander Theocritus was defeated in Armenia, and Trdat II, the son of Khosrov I, was proclaimed king. Emperor Macrinus, who succeeded Caracalla, recognized Trdat II and sent him a crown. Trdat II ruled until 252.

The Sassanian Threat

In 226, the Iranian region of Pars saw the rise of Ardashir Papakan from the Sasanian clan, who overthrew the Arshakid Artabanus V and seized the throne. The Sasanians, claiming to be the heirs of the Achaemenids, sought to restore Iran’s former power and greatness. Armenia, ruled by the descendants of the Parthian Arsacids, became a significant obstacle to these ambitions, leading to intensified relations between Rome and Armenia.

Armenian-Iranian Confrontation

The Armenian-Iranian confrontation that began with the rise of the Sasanians was reflected in Armenian oral folklore, later chronicled by 5th-century historians Agatangehos (Agaphangel) and Movses Khorenatsi. King Trdat II emerged as a key figure in this folklore, with his image preserved and attributed the name of his father, Khosrov.

The Coalition Against the Sasanians

In 230, Sassanid Artashir launched a war against Rome and Armenia. While he reached Syria and Cappadocia in the west, he was defeated in Armenia by a coalition led by Trdat II. In the following years, Armenia provided significant support to Roman Emperor Alexander Severus, who invaded Media with his troops.

The Sassanian Conquest and Roman Support

For two decades, until the mid-3rd century, the Sasanians refrained from attacking Armenia, despite dealing heavy blows to Rome. In 252, Shapur I, the son of Ardashir, captured Armenia, installing his son Hormidz-Artashir as the “Great King of Armenia.” However, in 297, the Sassanid king Narseh suffered a heavy defeat from Emperor Galerius. With Roman support, Trdat III, the grandson of Trdat II, ascended to power in Armenia in 298. The peace treaty concluded in Nizibin officially removed Armenia from Sassanid control, placing it under Roman protection.

Conclusion

The early centuries of the new era were a period of significant political and cultural developments for Armenia. Despite the scarcity of information, the available historical fragments reveal a nation navigating through invasions, diplomatic maneuvers, and cultural advancements. The legacy of the Arshakuni dynasty and the resilience of the Armenian people during this era continue to be a testament to their enduring spirit and strategic acumen.

Artatsolum