
A recent discovery by an Armenian visitor in Alexandria, Egypt, has sparked interest and curiosity among historians and archaeologists. The visitor claims to have seen the tomb of Trdat I (Drtad I), the king of Armenia who ruled from 53 to 88 CE and founded the Arsacid dynasty of Armenia.
Trdat I, also known as Tiridates I, was a Parthian prince who was installed as the king of Armenia by his brother Vologases I, the king of Parthia, after a series of wars with the Roman Empire over the control of Armeni. Trdat I was a Zoroastrian priest and a follower of Mithraism, a mystery religion that spread throughout the Roman army and empire.
Trdat I is best known for his visit to Rome in 66 CE, where he was crowned by the Roman emperor Nero as the king of Armenia, in a ceremony that symbolized the peace and alliance between Parthia and Rome. Trdat I was accompanied by other magi and brought gifts of horses, lions, and leopards to Nero.
However, not much is known about the last years of Trdat I’s reign and his death. Some sources suggest that he died in 75 CE, while others say that he died in 88 CE2 His successor was either his son Sanatruk II or his brother Khosrov .
The location of Trdat I’s tomb has also been a mystery. According to some traditions, he was buried in Armenia, in the city of Artashat or in the village of Garni. However, other sources indicate that he was buried in Alexandria, Egypt, where he had a palace and a temple dedicated to Mithra.
The Armenian visitor who claims to have seen the tomb of Trdat I in Alexandria says that he stumbled upon it while exploring the catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, a historical archaeological site that is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages. The catacombs are a series of tombs, statues, and artifacts that date back to the 2nd century CE and reflect the fusion of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman cultures.
The visitor says that he noticed a sarcophagus with a carved inscription in Parthian that read “Trdat, king of kings, son of Vonones, brother of Vologases, friend of Nero”. He also says that he saw a statue of Trdat wearing a crown and holding a scepter, as well as a relief depicting his coronation by Nero. He took some photos of his findings and shared them with a local guide, who confirmed their authenticity.
The visitor’s report has not yet been verified by official authorities or experts, but it has generated a lot of excitement and speculation among scholars and enthusiasts. If true, it would be a major breakthrough in the history of Armenia and the ancient world, and it would shed new light on the life and legacy of Trdat I, one of the most influential and enigmatic rulers of his time.
Artatsolum
Learn more
1en.wikipedia.org
2worldhistory.org
3armenianprelacy.org
4vemkar.us
5bing.com
6en.wikipedia.org
7en.wikipedia.org
8worldhistory.org
9armenianprelacy.org
10vemkar.us
12en.wikipedia.org
13nationalgeographic.com
