In the spring of 69 BC, the Roman legions under Lucullus invaded Armenia, advancing rapidly into the heart of the country. Tigran II the Great, stationed on the southern outskirts, dispatched a three-thousand-strong cavalry detachment led by his commander Meruzhan to halt the Roman advance.
Despite their valiant efforts, the Armenian cavalry, exhausted from their long march, faced heavy losses in an unequal battle with the Romans. Meruzhan, the detachment’s commander, perished in the conflict.
Tigran II, with a six-thousand-strong guard detachment, urgently returned to Armenia, ordering his troops to follow. As he approached Tigranakert, besieged by the Romans, Tigran II’s guard broke through the enemy fortifications under the cover of night, entered the city, evacuated the royal family, and secured the treasury.
On October 6, 69 BC, a significant battle occurred near Tigranakert, resulting in the Armenian army’s retreat. The siege of Tigranakert persisted for several months, ultimately leading to the city’s fall due to the betrayal of Greek mercenaries and other foreign residents who opened the gates to the Romans.
The Defeat of the Romans at Aratsani
After plundering and razing Tigranakert, Lucullus aimed to capture Armenia’s second capital, Artashat. Meanwhile, Tigran II and Mithridates VI Eupator were recruiting and training new troops, adopting new military tactics.
Avoiding large-scale battles, the Armenian forces engaged in guerrilla warfare, targeting small Roman detachments and disrupting their supply lines. These tactics exhausted the Roman forces but did not halt their advance.
Lucullus, driven by the promise of rich spoils in Artashat, continued to lead his weary legions. The threat to Artashat compelled Tigran II to engage in a decisive battle in September 68 BC at the Aratsani River crossing.
The well-trained and organized Armenian army triumphed, inflicting heavy losses on the Romans and forcing them to retreat beyond Armenia’s borders.
Expulsion of Lucullus’ Troops from Armenia
Roman historian Lyon Cassius documented the battle, noting the severe impact on the Roman cavalry and the shortage of food, which led to Lucullus’s retreat. Capitalizing on their victory, the Armenians expelled the Romans from the southern regions, including Mesopotamia.
Simultaneously, Mithridates VI Eupator, with Armenian support, invaded Pontus and reclaimed his kingdom. The Roman legionaries, demoralized, refused to fight against Tigran II and Mithridates VI.
The combined Armenian-Pontic forces compelled the Romans into another battle in Pontus, where the Roman legions suffered a significant defeat. Lucullus’s failures led to his dismissal by the Roman Senate.
Despite the favorable conditions for restoring Tigran II’s state, internal strife arose. Tigran the Younger, attempting to seize the throne, instigated a civil war. Although his rebellion was suppressed, Tigran the Younger fled to Parthia, finding refuge there.
This period marked a significant chapter in Armenian history, showcasing the resilience and strategic prowess of Tigran II the Great and his ability to defend his kingdom against formidable Roman forces.
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