The Armenian Tiara (Armenian: Հայկական խույր) or Artashesian Tiara (Armenian: Արտաշեսյանների խույր) is a distinctive headdress that symbolized the monarchical power of the rulers of the Artashesian dynasty in Ancient Armenia. This unique hat, shaped like a truncated cone or cylinder, features four or five pointed teeth on top. Around the tiara, a royal diadem is entwined, adorned with two eagles looking in opposite directions on both sides of an 8 pointed star, which served as the family symbol of the Artashesians.
Historical Significance
The Armenian Tiara is not just a piece of headgear; it is a symbol of the rich history and cultural heritage of Armenia. The Artashesian dynasty, which ruled from 189 BC to 52 AD, was a branch of the Yervanduni dynasty, originating from the seed of the Haykazuni. The tiara represents the authority and legacy of this influential dynasty.
Major Pan-Armenian Royal Dynasties
Armenian, Hittite, Assyro-Babylonian, Persian, and Greek sources testify to the reign of seven major pan-Armenian royal dynasties in Armenia:
- Haykazuni Dynasty (Aykids) (2492/2107 – 331 BC)
- Arartuni Dynasty Kingdom of Van (Urartu) (c. 860 – 590 BC)
- Yervanduni Dynasty (Orontids) (c. 401 – 200 BC)
- Artashesian Dynasty (Artashesids) (189 BC – 52 AD)
- Arshakuni Dynasty (Arshakids) (52 – 428)
- Bagratuni Dynasty (Bagratids) (886 – 1045)
- Rubenyan-Hethumyan-Lusinyan Dynasty (1080 – 1375)
In addition to these dynasties, there were five Armenian states, and at different times, local kingdoms and ruling dynasties such as Vaspurakan, Syunik, and Vanand also existed. However, the representatives of the above-mentioned dynasties bore the titles of “King of Armenia” or similar titles of pan-Armenian monarchs.
The Armenian Tiara, with its intricate design and symbolic elements, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Artashesian dynasty and the rich cultural heritage of Armenia. It is a powerful symbol of the monarchical power and the historical significance of the Armenian royal dynasties.
Artatsolum
