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Tigran The Great


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#1 Aratta-Kingdom

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Posted 09 February 2008 - 07:51 PM


http://www.youtube.c...feature=related

#2 CCA

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Posted 21 February 2008 - 10:14 AM

QUOTE (Aratta-Kingdom @ Feb 9 2008, 08:51 PM)

What an educational video made by another impressive person with PhD in Armenian internet history. Bet it was prretty hard to copy those pics and sentences from a great site like wikipedia. It restores my sense of Armenianness and inspires me. And to think I wasted midget amputee porn time for this ....

#3 Eurocentric

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Posted 21 February 2008 - 11:08 AM

QUOTE (CCA @ Feb 21 2008, 10:14 AM)
What an educational video made by another impressive person with PhD in Armenian internet history. Bet it was prretty hard to copy those pics and sentences from a great site like wikipedia. It restores my sense of Armenianness and inspires me. And to think I wasted midget amputee porn time for this ....


Did you ever think about spinning a midget amputee like a vinyl disc?

#4 Aratta-Kingdom

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Posted 21 February 2008 - 11:59 AM

QUOTE (CCA @ Feb 21 2008, 08:14 AM)
What an educational video made by another impressive person with PhD in Armenian internet history. Bet it was prretty hard to copy those pics and sentences from a great site like wikipedia. It restores my sense of Armenianness and inspires me. And to think I wasted midget amputee porn time for this ....



i see this is too much for you.
go back to your room and continue to play with yourself

#5 Zartonk

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Posted 21 February 2008 - 01:30 PM

Alright guys, what's up with the midget porn?

I mean

QUOTE
Did you ever think about spinning a midget amputee like a vinyl disc?



#6 CCA

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Posted 21 February 2008 - 11:12 PM

QUOTE (Zartonk @ Feb 21 2008, 02:30 PM)
Alright guys, what's up with the midget porn?

I mean

I mean to show the utter annoyance and pointlessness paragraphs illustrated by one below:

KING SAUŠŠATAR [c. 1440-1410 BC] WITH THE SACRED ENCIRCLED 8-SPOKE
WINGED SUN DISK ON THE OFFICIAL MIT[R]ANNI ROYAL CYLINDER SEAL.
THE SUPREME MITANNIAN DEITY OF LIGHT,
REASON, TRUTH AND ULTIMATELY REDEMPTION WAS
MITHRAS THE HEALER AND SAVIOR. THE SOLAR EAGLE/PHOENIX
[PHOENICIA COMES FROM PHOENIX AND SYRIA'S ANCIENT MITANNI NAME
IS HUR[R]IA [HUR LIT. FIRE] SYRIA CONNOTES SIRIUS...CARRIED OVER FROM
ARMENIAN HIGHLAND-MITANNI-DILMUN-ETIN-EDEN TO EGYPT BY THE NETJERU OR
THE ELDER GODS OF ZEP [SEP] TEPI/FIRST TIME/GOLDEN AGE...] AND
LION WAS INCORPORATED INTO THE COAT OF ARMS OF RA.

really, what is the point of spamming the net with this random shit?

#7 Zartonk

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Posted 21 February 2008 - 11:22 PM

I was talking about the reference to erotica. We hear you

Edited by Zartonk, 22 February 2008 - 08:27 AM.


#8 Sarah11

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Posted 18 March 2008 - 12:26 PM

Hi,

I would love to know if anyone knows what happend to the Tigran dynasty. I once read that they fled the country and settled in Spain. Does anyone have any information on this, i cannot find it on the net...


Thankyou,

Sarah

#9 Aratta-Kingdom

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Posted 18 March 2008 - 12:47 PM

QUOTE (Sarah11 @ Mar 18 2008, 10:26 AM)
Hi,

I would love to know if anyone knows what happend to the Tigran dynasty. I once read that they fled the country and settled in Spain. Does anyone have any information on this, i cannot find it on the net...


Thankyou,

Sarah


give me couple of days to finish the project i'm working on-after which, i'll post some materials about Tigran The Great. Until then, can you quote the source you got the information from?

#10 Eurocentric

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Posted 18 March 2008 - 03:32 PM

QUOTE (Sarah11 @ Mar 18 2008, 01:26 PM)
Hi,

I would love to know if anyone knows what happend to the Tigran dynasty. I once read that they fled the country and settled in Spain. Does anyone have any information on this, i cannot find it on the net...


Thankyou,

Sarah


No such thing. They died out under the overlordship of Augustus and were replaced by foreign non-dynastic kings until the Arsacid Dynasty of Parthia firmly established itself in Armenia during the reign of Nero.

#11 Takoush

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Posted 18 March 2008 - 04:15 PM

QUOTE (Eurocentric @ Mar 18 2008, 05:32 PM)
No such thing. They died out under the overlordship of Augustus and were replaced by foreign non-dynastic kings until the Arsacid Dynasty of Parthia firmly established itself in Armenia during the reign of Nero.

Also Augustus or the Romans won him out by collaborating with the Barsiks against Armenia; because the Romans felt that Dikran the Great's kingdom was a threat to them.



Edited by Takoush, 18 March 2008 - 04:29 PM.


#12 Arpa

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Posted 18 March 2008 - 05:03 PM

QUOTE (Sarah11 @ Mar 18 2008, 06:26 PM)
Hi,

I would love to know if anyone knows what happend to the Tigran dynasty. I once read that they fled the country and settled in Spain. Does anyone have any information on this, i cannot find it on the net...


Thankyou,

Sarah

Spain??
Do you mean Sipan??
Who the hell writes these so called histories?
Are they the same people who tell us that the Mamikoneans are from Chinastan? Those who don't know the difference between Jenastan and Chinastan?
Or is it those who tell us that the Basque are Armenians just because some of their words resemble ours?
Maybe those who tell us that the English/Angliatsis are from the House of Angl/Angegh?
Maybe those who say that the Gauls, the French are Armenian from the house of the Galatians/Gaghia/Fransa?
Are they the same who tell us that we are of Germanic stock because at one time Kilikia was named Germanica (Kermanig) by the Romans?
No, no. None of the above. Tigran's dynaty moved to Spain because the idiot who wrote it does not know that Spain is part of the Iberian Peninula just like Georgia is part of the Caucasian Iberia from where the Armenian name for the region Virq/Vrastan (Iveriastan) comes from.
BTW. Find and read George Brnoutian's new (translation) book about Tigranes II and the Romans by Hakob Manandian with many unknown facts, among which is that Tigran probably did not even speak Armenian, regardless the fact he was the first and the only one since to smash the heads of the divisive principalites, nakharars and created a united Empire for the first and only time.
Is it time for another Tigran to smash the heads of the likes of Levon, Serge, Robert and every anbakum and karapet?
Can we have a Tigran KEMALian?

#13 Takoush

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Posted 18 March 2008 - 05:11 PM

ՀՐՈՄ ԵՒ ԻՐ ՏԱՐԱԾՈՒՄԸ ԴԷՊԻ ԱՐԵՒԵԼՔ


70 թուականին, Տիգրան Մեծ իր զօրութեան գագաթնակէտին հասած է։ Հայաստան կը տիրէ ամբողջ Միջին Արեւելքի։ Մինչ այդ, Տիգրան բախած է միայն Արեւելքի ժողովուրդներուն, որոնցմէ ոմանք, ինչպէս պարթեւները, ահաւոր զինուորներ են։ Բայց բոլորն ալ արեւելեան պետութիւններ կը ներկայացնեն, քաղաքական եւ զինուորական այնպիսի հաստատութիւններով, որոնք շատ տարբեր չեն Հայաստանի ունեցածներէն։

Յաջորդ տարիներու ընթացքին, Տիգրան ինքզինք պիտի գտնէր ուժի մը դիմաց, որ աշխարհի ամենէն կատարեալ եւ ամենէն հաւասարակշիռ ոյժն է —- Հռոմը։

Մեզի չ՚ իյնար նկարագրել կամ մինչեւ իսկ ամփոփել, այս գործի սահմաններուն մէջ, պատմութիւնը այն ահաւոր ուժին, որ կը ներկայացնէր պատմութեան ճանչցած քաղաքական եւ կառաւարական մեծագոյն հանճարը եւ որուն պիտի բախէր Հայաստան։

Այդ ոյժը կը ծագէր քաղաքէ մը՝ Հռոմէն, որ հիմնուեցաւ մօտաւորապէս այն թուականին, երբ Հայկի որդիները Հայաստան հասան։ Ք. ա. Ե. եւ Դ. դարերուն եւ Գ. դարու սկիզբը ան յաջողեցաւ գերիշխանութիւն հաստատել Իտալիոյ վրայ, տիրապետել անոր ո՛չ թէ միատեսակ կեդրոնացումի եղանակով, ինչ որ բոլոր միջակութիւններու կարողութեան սահմանին մէջ կ՚իյնար, այլ, ընդհակառակն, ստորադասումի տարբեր կերպերու այլազանութեամբ մը, որ կառավարական հանճարի իրական յայտնութիւնը կը կազմէ։

Գ. դարուն, Հռոմ կենաց մահու կռուի մը մէջ մտաւ ուրիշ մեծ պետութեան մը հետ՝ Կարթագէնը. կռիւ մը, որմէ կախուած էր Միջերկրականի տիրապետութիւնը։ Պատմութիւնը հակառակ կողմէն կարդալու եւ տեսնելու մեր սովորութեամբ, ճշգրիտ գաղափար մը չենք կազմեր թէ ինչպէս սահմանափակ միջոցի մը ընթացքին Հռոմ շահեցաւ յաղթանակը։ Եզակի մենամարտ մը եղաւ ատիկա, որուն ելքը նախատեսել անկարելի էր այն ատեն։ «Երկու հակառակորդներէն մէկն ու մէկը մինչեւ որ ի սպառ զգետնուած չըլլար, միւսը պիտի կարծէր թէ ինքն է պատերազմը կորսնցնողը»։

Ք. ա. Բ. դարու սկիզբը Հռոմ դէպի Արեւելք դարձաւ։ Ան պարտութեան մատնեց նոր մրցորդ մը, որուն աճող զօրութիւնը զինք կը մտահոգէր.—- Անտիոքոս Գ. Մեծ, սելեւկեաններու կայսրը։ Մենք տեսանք արդէն թէ ինչպէս Հռոմի այս առաջին միջամտութիւնը հնարաւորութիւն տուաւ Հայաստանի ազատագրուելու սելեւկեաններու տիրապետութենէն. հետեւեցանք նաեւ հռոմէական դիւանագիտութեան, որ երկար ատեն նպաստաւոր եղաւ Հայաստանի։

Ք. ա. Բ. դարուն, Հռոմ, որ կլանած էր Մակեդոնիան "Macedonia" եւ Յունաստանը, հաստատուեցաւ Փոքր Ասիա եւ իր տիրապետութիւնը տարածեց այդ շրջանի յունական կամ Հելլենիստական պետութեանց վրայ (Բիւթանիա, Պերկամ, Լիտիա, Փռիւդիա, Գաղատիա)։

Բայց Ա. դարու սկիզբը, Հռոմ բախեցաւ պատմութեան մեծագոյն դէմքերէն մեկուն՝ Միհրդատ Զ. Եւպատոր Պոնտոսի Թագաւորին, որ հելլենական դատին ախոյեանը պիտի դառնար եւ պիտի փորձէր ստեղծել Արեւելքի կայսրութիւն մը։


Հայոց Պատմութիւն, Հրանդ Փաստրմաճանի գրքէն



Edited by Takoush, 18 March 2008 - 05:26 PM.


#14 Sarah11

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Posted 19 March 2008 - 05:46 AM

QUOTE (Arpa @ Mar 18 2008, 05:03 PM)
Spain??
Do you mean Sipan??
Who the hell writes these so called histories?
Are they the same people who tell us that the Mamikoneans are from Chinastan? Those who don't know the difference between Jenastan and Chinastan?
Or is it those who tell us that the Basque are Armenians just because some of their words resemble ours?
Maybe those who tell us that the English/Angliatsis are from the House of Angl/Angegh?
Maybe those who say that the Gauls, the French are Armenian from the house of the Galatians/Gaghia/Fransa?
Are they the same who tell us that we are of Germanic stock because at one time Kilikia was named Germanica (Kermanig) by the Romans?
No, no. None of the above. Tigran's dynaty moved to Spain because the idiot who wrote it does not know that Spain is part of the Iberian Peninula just like Georgia is part of the Caucasian Iberia from where the Armenian name for the region Virq/Vrastan (Iveriastan) comes from.
BTW. Find and read George Brnoutian's new (translation) book about Tigranes II and the Romans by Hakob Manandian with many unknown facts, among which is that Tigran probably did not even speak Armenian, regardless the fact he was the first and the only one since to smash the heads of the divisive principalites, nakharars and created a united Empire for the first and only time.
Is it time for another Tigran to smash the heads of the likes of Levon, Serge, Robert and every anbakum and karapet?
Can we have a Tigran KEMALian?



Thankyou everyone, i was searching my family tree and came accross some variations of my name, one was Tigranes or Tigheranaigh, i have had two family geneology research done in the past and they told me that we have royal links to Spain and Galencia, my family are from Galway in Ireland, some of them are land owners and own Stately homes etc. Then i discoverd by pure chance while researching some history or Armenia and Sumer that the kings of Armenia or part of Armenia were called Tigranes, then i discovered on some website that these Tigranes went to Spain, i wondered if they settled in Galencia next door to Portugal, i also noticed that there is a place called Galatia near Armenia, so i thought that there may be some links to my surname coming from Galway, my Tighe clan (i was told) moved from Galencia in Spain to west Ireland and named the area Galway, in latin is Galli which means Celt, or Gaul, and Gaul is linked with Armenia or Galaita... Oh lol i know i'm in a mess here with all this information, it's just a hunch i have and need to find answers...

Thankyou for all your info, if you happen to have anymore i would very much appreciate it....

Thanks and i shall take a look at this book Arpa... Takous, i'm sorry i cannot read this writing i only know english unfortunately, although it looks beautiful.... thanks...


Sarah


#15 Arpa

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Posted 19 March 2008 - 11:48 AM

Dear Sarah,
Lest we forget.
WELCOME!!!
Please stay!!
Thw above book is widely available on the net, Amazon among many. Use "bournoutian tigranes" as your search words.

Edited by Arpa, 19 March 2008 - 11:49 AM.


#16 Javakhk

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Posted 19 March 2008 - 02:16 PM

I have the book of Pastrmajian. He is he son of Armen Garo.

#17 Johannes

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Posted 20 March 2008 - 03:48 AM

Quote from Sarah's' number 8 post
QUOTE
I once read that they fled the country and settled in Spain

Quote from Takushs' number 13 posts
QUOTE
Գ. դարուն, Հռոմ կենաց մահու կռուի մը մէջ մտաւ ուրիշ մեծ պետութեան մը հետ՝ Կարթագէնը. կռիւ մը, որմէ կախուած էր Միջերկրականի տիրապետութիւնը

Մի այլ շարանի մէջ կը զրուցէինք, թէ ինչպէս հռոմէացի պատմագիրները բարեկամական կապեր հաստատեր էին արտաշէսեաններու եւ կարթագենացիներու մեջեւ: Նուաճող կայսերական ազգերու պատմագրութեանց ծանօթ ընթերցողը, պիտի նկատէ թէ սա Հայաստանը նուաճելու միտում ունեցող Հռովմի ինքնարդարացումն է, չէ՞ որ «ահաբեկիչ» Հանիբալ Հայաստան գալով դաշնակցեր է Արտաշէսեաններուն ու տակաւին մասնակցեր է Արտաշատ քաղաքի յատակագծի պատրաստմանը:
Կարթագենացիներ նախկին փիւնիկեցիներն են. հաստատած միջերկրական հարաւային ափերուն: Այժմ Թունուզի մէջ կը գտնուի պատմական առաջին Կարթագեն քաղաքը: Հետագային Իբերիոյ (Սպանիա) միջերկրականի ափին կը հիմնուի նոր կարթագեն մը:
Սառայի մտապատկերին մէջ մնացածը այս է:
Roman historian wrote that Hannibal and Artaxes the king of Armenia and the founder of Artaxian dynasty were allies. We know that Carthaginians settled Iberian Peninsula and built a new Carthaginian city at the Mediterranean shore. The relation between the Armenians and the Spain territory at that time is outlined that Romans invaded Carthaginians lands then; they turned east and invaded eastern Hellenic states. Spain conquered by Romans before the Armenian-Roman war, therefore I don’t think Tigrannes settled in Spain. But if you have historical references, you are welcomed to inform us.


#18 Sarah11

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Posted 21 March 2008 - 10:42 AM

QUOTE (Johannes @ Mar 20 2008, 03:48 AM)
Quote from Sarah's' number 8 post

Quote from Takushs' number 13 posts

Մի այլ շարանի մէջ կը զրուցէինք, թէ ինչպէս հռոմէացի պատմագիրները բարեկամական կապեր հաստատեր էին արտաշէսեաններու եւ կարթագենացիներու մեջեւ: Նուաճող կայսերական ազգերու պատմագրութեանց ծանօթ ընթերցողը, պիտի նկատէ թէ սա Հայաստանը նուաճելու միտում ունեցող Հռովմի ինքնարդարացումն է, չէ՞ որ «ահաբեկիչ» Հանիբալ Հայաստան գալով դաշնակցեր է Արտաշէսեաններուն ու տակաւին մասնակցեր է Արտաշատ քաղաքի յատակագծի պատրաստմանը:
Կարթագենացիներ նախկին փիւնիկեցիներն են. հաստատած միջերկրական հարաւային ափերուն: Այժմ Թունուզի մէջ կը գտնուի պատմական առաջին Կարթագեն քաղաքը: Հետագային Իբերիոյ (Սպանիա) միջերկրականի ափին կը հիմնուի նոր կարթագեն մը:
Սառայի մտապատկերին մէջ մնացածը այս է:
Roman historian wrote that Hannibal and Artaxes the king of Armenia and the founder of Artaxian dynasty were allies. We know that Carthaginians settled Iberian Peninsula and built a new Carthaginian city at the Mediterranean shore. The relation between the Armenians and the Spain territory at that time is outlined that Romans invaded Carthaginians lands then; they turned east and invaded eastern Hellenic states. Spain conquered by Romans before the Armenian-Roman war, therefore I don’t think Tigrannes settled in Spain. But if you have historical references, you are welcomed to inform us.



Thankyou everyone for your help, i will come back soon with some more info....

Thanks

Love Sarah


#19 Aratta-Kingdom

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Posted 21 March 2008 - 12:41 PM



Written by Gevork Nazaryan





Prince Tigran, the son of King Tigran I of the Artaxiad Royal House, was born in 140 BC. In 112, Tigran was sent to Parthia, as a hostage or a "sign of friendship between the two peoples," after Tigran I's defeat in the Parthian campaign. This was a common practice at the time, the Parthians knew that King Tigran I would in all probability not risk his sons life -- the heir apparent to the throne --, and once again initiate hostilities against Parthia as long as the Prince remains in their royal court. It is important to note here that the Parthians stood very close to Armenia, many of the Parthian noble houses had their branches in Armenia. Tigran was a member of the Parthian court and as the Prince of his Kingdom was in a sense a "good will ambassador" to Parthia. During his stay in that country, the young prince learned many things from the Parthians who were renowned for their warrior ethos and keen leadership. Tigran learned the fine art of diplomacy and as well as waging military campaigns. The Parthian army was trained to fight on horsebacks, their famous style of warfare that desolated Roman legions was known as the "Parthian shot." The Parthian cavalry, would first engage the enemy and would pretend to retreat in an unorganized fashion, the deceived Romans would quickly brake in their flanks and pursue the Parthians. The Parthians, while "retreating," would use their distinguished archery skills and shoot down the pursuing enemy. In such battles, the Romans would loose thousands of men before finally seeing the horrible death toll and stopping the disastrous chase. The Roman legions had no chance in even coming close to the lightening fast Parthian cavalry squads. Such tactics would be adopted by Tigran and the Armenian cavalry, that were also effectively used against the Roman invaders. The Parthians were considered allies by most of Armenians at this time [especially in Greater Armenia -- Lesser Armenia tended to be more pro-Roman]. Many Parthian noble houses had branched out and established themselves in Armenia. Houses such as Kamsarakan, Mamikonean, Pahlavuni and the biggest and powerful Royal Houses of Parthia, the Arsacids who ruled Iran from the late third century BC until the first half of the third century AD.. The Arsacid Royal House of Armenia was formally established in the year 66 A.D. with the recognition by the Emperor Nero of King Trdat I [Tiridates] Aršakuni, as the sovereign monarch of the Kingdom.


After the death of his father in 96 BC, Tigran agreed to hand over the Seventy Valleys, located in Southeastern Armenia [most probably somewhere in Armenian Atrpatakan or Atrpatenē] in exchange for his return and coronation as the new King. Prince Tigran was crowned in 95 BC, as the new monarch -- Tigran II. From the first days of his ascendance, Tigran rapidly began to rebuild and reorganize every aspect of socio-political, economic, as well as military life. The highly energetic and ambitious King established a new order throughout his domain. He created a standing army of 100,000 men, -- the nucleus of which was the legendary Armenian cavalry compromised of the the aristocratic Azats or the Freemen. Tigran II also formed alliance with the neighboring peoples and kingdom that included the Georgians, Adiabenians, Caucasian Albanians, Atropatenes, Cappadocians, Gordeyenes [Armenians of Korduk'].

As the Vth century Armenian historian Mowsēs Xorēnac‛i -- the Father of Armenian History -- recorded in his Armenian History: "footmen became horsemen, the light infantry received armor and became armored infantry." Tigran united the military forces of the naxarars -- the high nobles -- into the Royal Army -- turning his newly built fighting force into a powerful, well trained and highly organized war machine. In Tigran' Army, strong devotion and loyalty to the military leadership formed the foundation. Strabo, the renowned Greek historian wrote: "When he [Tigran the Great] acquired power, he recovered these [seventy] valleys, and devastated the country of the Parthians, the territory about Ninus [Nineveh], and that about Arbela. He subjected to his authority the Atropatenians, and the Gordyaeans [Armenian nobles of the Korduk' Province] by force of arms he obtained possession also of the rest of Mesopotamia and, after crossing the Euphrates, of Syria and Phoenicia." [Strabo, XI.xiv.16]


But this was only the beginning in the high ascent of one of the greatest Armenian military leaders in world history. In 94 BC, in the wake of Roman expansion into western Asia Minor, Tigran signed a treaty of cooperation and mutual defense with King Mithridates Eupatores of Pontus, thus making that kingdom an ally of Armenia. In 93 BC, Tigran first of all focused on the Armenian province of Tsop'k' [Sophene] on the eastern banks of river Euphrates in Western Armenia.


The rulers of Tsop'k', claimed descent from the Royal Orontid [ORIONTID, the name for the Oriontes River that was placed on the gold [OR=GOLD-Metal of the Gods] and silver coins of the Sun Kings and the word ORIENt and ARYAN also comes from O R I O N] House [Ervanduni], the dynasty that preceded the Artaxiads in their rule of Armenia. The Ervandunis were still the ruling monarchs of Lesser Armenia or Armenia Minor [situated on the western banks of Euphrates, in the vicinity of the ancient Armenian Kingdom of Hayasa-Azzi]. The Ervanduni Royal House was overthrown by one of its own representatives -- Prince Artaxerxes in 189 BC. Artaxerxes or Artašēs established the new dynasty that followed the Orontid House. He made a number of economic reforms in order to stimulate agriculture and trade. Artašēs was able to unite and centralize the monarchy [something that the Ervandunis were never able to fully achieve], by bringing in line the often unruly naxarars or the high nobles who wanted de-centralization in order to secure more rights for their own individual provinces. Greater Armenia included 15 ašxarhs or provinces [17 if we include Armenian Mesopotamia and Goderdzakan ašxarhs] with a divisions of 120 gavars or counties. According to a number of Greek historians the strategic location of the royal city of or Artašat or Artaxata -- lit. Joy of Artašēs -- [166 BC], on the banks of river Erasx (Arax) was chosen by the great Carthaginian Commander Hannibal Barca [247-182 BC], who was an honored guest at Artašēs' court. According to the Graeco-Roman primary sources, the Carthaginian commander, after leaving his campaign in the Italian peninsula departed to Armenia. Artašēs and Queen Sat'enik [Alani Princess] were the grandparents of Tigran the Great.





CAMPAIGNS IN THE WEST



After reincorporating the state of Tsop'k' into Greater Armenia, Tigran turned his armies against Cappadocia, which had a mixed population of Armenians, Greeks and other ancient peoples who were to a large extent assimilated into the Hellenistic culture. Cappadocia favored the Romans and was providing the necessary ground for Roman entry into Eastern Asia Minor, Armenian Plateau and beyond. In 93 BC, the Armenian troops entered Cappadocia and dethroned king Ariobarzanes and crowned Gordios as the new king of Cappadocia, who pledged a close alliance with Greater Armenia and Pontus. Thus Tigran created a buffer zone between the encroaching Romans and the strengthening Armenian State. Tigran launched military campaigns and conquered Iberia [Georgia], Caucasian Albania to the east of Greater Armenia as well as the Caucasian tribes in the north, who often raided the northern frontier. Tigran wanted to control the important trade routes of the Near East -- stretching from Central Asia -- to Europe via Greater Armenia -- and -- Greater Armenia -- Mesopotamia -- Egypt cardinal directions. He placed the Arabic tribes of Skenites to guard the major trade centers and routes throughout Near East, particularly those of Syria and Mesopotamia. Tigran also signed military treaties and trade accords of cooperation with the Scytho-Iranian tribes of Central Asia. In order to solidify the alliance with the Pontic Kingdom, Tigran married the daughter of Mithridates, Cleopatra as a sign of affirmation of the Armeno - Pontic treaty.

Tigran had four sons, the firstborn was killed while leading the charge of the Armenian Cavalry against the enemy. The second Zareh, was killed after an unsuccessful revolt against his father and tried with the help of some of the nobility wanting to assert their own power to overthrow Tigran. Tigran's third son -- Tigran the Young -- continued to fuel the revolt began by his elder brother. Later on this would greatly undermine Tigran II's authority within the Kingdom. King Tigran was forced to move troops from other countries such as Palestine and Commagene, to put down the rebellious nobles headed by Tigran the Young within the borders of Greater Armenia. Some historians suggest that Cleopatra, the mother of Tigran the Young, was responsible for provoking her sons to rebel against Tigran. Apparently because, as Cleopatra saw, Tigran II was not providing adequate assistance to her father -- Mithridates of Pontus -- who was virtually constantly at war with the Romans. Tigran could not commit large number of troops to Mithridates, because the Armenian military was already stretched too thin throughout the newly built Armenian Empire. Tigran needed large number of boarder troops to safeguard the southern and as well as northeastern borders of the Empire against -- the Parthians on one hand -- and -- the northern tribes on the other -- who constantly infiltrated the northern frontier during the destructive raids from the Caucasus mountains. The Parthians were hoping to once again take the leading position in the East and never forgave Tigran who stripped the Parthian monarch of his title as King of Kings, a title that Tigran II held to the end of his life.


After conquering the royal city of Ecbatana, including the province of Media and Atrpatakan, these kingdoms were also annexed by the Armenian Empire. By far the most distinguished and noblest son, was Tigran's youngest son -- Artavazd [Artavasdes]. Tigran's last son turned out to be a truly worthy successor [King Artavazd II] to his Father the Emperor. He was of noble character and a devotee to the culture of both Armenian and Classical heritage. Artavazd became renowned throughout the ancient world for his love of Hellenistic culture in general and Greek theatre in particular. Plutarch wrote that Artavasdes had written numerous plays and dramas for the theater of Artašat, that he himself had helped to establish. Artavazd also wrote the History of Armenia up to his own time, as well as deeper philosophical works, which unfortunately have not survived through the journey of time.


In 91 BC, in line with the Armeno-Pontic alliance, the King of Kings passed the protectorate of Cappadocia to King Mithridates, who was in desperate need of raw material and manpower in order to build up his own forces. Mithridates was planning a long military campaign against the Romans. He wanted to drive the invaders out of Anatolia and Greece. Tigran knew that the Roman Republic was still growing and expanding. He believed in a bi-polar coexistence, with each power having and respecting each other's spheres of influence. The Near East would be in Armenian hands, while western Asia Minor up to Cilicia and Cappadocia would be in the Roman sphere. Mithridates, contrary to this policy, believed in uniting the newly created Armenian Empire, the Parthian State and other countries of the East to check the advancement of Roman legions. The Romans, promised a Pax Romana to the conquered peoples, offering stability and protection in exchange for loss of independence, along with heavy taxation. The heavy tolls that the farmers and the poor of the major Hellenistic cities had to pay often had tragic consequences when they were unable to pay their "fees" -- they became involuntarily slaves, often ending up somewhere far way from their land, toiling the Roman villas of their masters, or worst yet died in the Roman arenas, for the amusement of Roman masses. Tigran wanted to unite the Empire under already widely spread Hellenistic culture [a blend of ancient Eastern tradition with that of the West], a concept that was initiated by Alexander the Great three centuries earlier, and because of Alexander's enlightened policy had to a great extent struck root throughout the East.


Save the battle in 88 BC, the first stages of the Mithridatic wars, were successful in defeating the invading Roman legions by the combined Armeno-Pontic forces. The Romans headed by consular regates Manlius Maltinus and Aquillius, under the supreme command of pro consul Sulla, were crushed and sued for peace. The contemporary Roman historians were extremely bias and are regarded by many historians as not credible. However, one Roman historian, Justin wrote 'Having put them to flight, he [Tigran the Great] was received with great joy by the cities [in Cappadocia] in which he found a great quantity of gold and silver and vast warlike sources, laid up by the care of the former princes. Taking possession of these, he remitted the cities all sorts of debts, public and private, and granted them immunity from tribute for five years." [Justin XXXVIII.iii]. This shows that Tigran was wise enough to secure the support and toleration of the frontier states in order to create the necessary defense mechanism against further Roman encroachment. Tigran, like Mithridates wanted to see a strong East, united by the synthesis of Hellenistic [East -- West] culture. The danger of direct Roman authoritarian rule would be brutal towards the subjugated peoples. Numerous popular revolts, within Rome itself would result because of Roman heavy-handed excesses. In the 70's BC, under the leadership of the gladiator Spartacus, a Phrygian by nationality, who was forced to fight and die for the amusement of Romans, instigated a huge revolt. The "gladiator" uprising forced the Romans to focus their attention into their own "back yard," in the Italian peninsula, thus for the time being leaving their plans of invading the East.

Unfortunately, the -- PAX ARMENICA -- The Alliance of the East, envisioned by Mithridates and supported by Tigran did not last long due to the fact the third most important power in the East -- the Parthians -- still bitter with the defeats suffered at the hands of Tigran's Army including the humiliating loss of Ecbatana -- were not interested in joining the Armeno-Pontic Alliance. On the contrary, they openly allied themselves with the Romans, serving as a Trojan-horse, a second front in the East. The Armenian State was very powerful during the 80s and 70s BC, however, within the Empire's border a revolt, headed by Tigran the Young was brewing. A number of naxarars unhappy with Tigran's strong leadership and centralized policy wanted to see Tigran toppled. As early as 92 BC, the Parthians conducted secret negations with the Romans asking for joint operation against Armenia and its ever growing might. During this period the Romans were still had their hands full with reorganizing and putting down the remaining pockets of resistance in the newly acquired possessions in Western Asia Minor, and as such were in no position to launch a military campaign against the Armenian might. During this period the leadership of the East was still firmly in Armenian hands... The Gods were merciful...


From 87 to 85, Tigran's Army victoriously entered Armenian Mesopotamia [Northern Mesopotamia], the province of Korduk', Migdonia and Adiabenē, which were previously under the control of the Parthians. The kingdoms of Osroyenē and Atrpatakan [Atropatene] also pledged their loyalty and support to Tigran the Great. In 85, the Parthians officially recognized him as the supreme ruler of the East. Tigran took the haled title of King of Kings, from the Parthian monarch, and honorably held it to the end of his life.

In 83, after a bloody strife for the throne of Syria, governed by the Seleucids, the Syrians decided to choose Tigran as the protector of their kingdom and offered him the crown of Syria. Tigran was crowned the same year with the support of the local aristocracy. Tigran conducted an "open" policy of free trade within the Hellenistic metropolitan polis' [cities] of the vast Armenian Empire, granting autonomy to those important cities, who could mint their own currency and were judged according to the local laws and customs. The Syrian mints also issued coins depicting the Emperor, King of Kings Tigran the Great. According to Justin, Tigran reigned for eighteen years on the Syrian throne.


During this period, the Armenian forces advanced and conquered the kingdoms of Commagene [mostly Armenian in its demographic composition] and Cilicia [also containing a sizable Armenian community]. Once in Syria, Tigran was confronted with another foe, Queen Alexandra, ruler of Palestine. Josephus noted "She [Queen Alexandra] was a sagacious woman…she increased the army the one half, and procured a great body of foreign troops, till her own nation became not only very powerful at home, but terrible also to foreign potentates." [Wars, I.v.3; Antiq. XIII.xvi.4].


Her troops marched and took Damascus, and in the face of these events Tigran was forced to neutralize the direct threat emanating from her actions. Tigran personally led the military expedition to Phoenicia and Palestine. In his absence he placed one of his prominent generals, Bagrat, of the Bagratid nobility as governor of Syria.


The Armenian troops quickly advanced and took the city of Acre [Ptolemais] in Phoenicia. Tigran's Army successfully besieged the onetime seat of the Seleucid capital -- Seleucia-on-Tigris. Josephus in his Antiquities wrote that Queen Alexandra "presented Tigranes, with many valuable gifts, and also ambassadors…" The Queen pledged her loyalty by offering all of Phoenicia to the King of Kings.


After the successive campaigns on the eastern sea shore of the Mediterranean Sea, and conquests in Syria, Phoenicia and Palestine, the Armenian warriors gained a reputation and respect not only throughout the Near East, but the Roman domain as well. The famous Greek historian Strabo wrote: "They fight on foot and on horseback, both in light and heavy armor. The horses are also protected with armor. They use javelins and bows and wear breastplates, shields, and coverings'; [XI.xiv.12] And..."They have a passion for riding and take good care of their horses..."


While Plutarch wrote that the Armenian archers could kill from 200 meters with their deadly accurate arrows. The Romans admired and respected the bravery and the warrior spirit of the Armenian Cavalry -- the hardcore of Tigran's Army. The Roman historian Sallustius Crispus wrote that the Armenian [Ayrudzi - lit. horsemen] Cavalry was "remarkable by the beauty of their horses and armor" Horses in Armenia, since ancient times were considered as the most important part and pride of the warrior. It was the horse and the wagons [as well as the iron weaponry], that made possible the vast migrations of Indo-European peoples from Armenia -- Aratta.

The Armenian Kingdom of Mitanni and later on the Hayasa-Azzi confederation, were famous for their powerful horseback armies which successfully checked the Assyrian threat against the Armenian Highland, Land of Nairi [the Land of Water and Fire...the four sacred rivers of Dilmun-Eden-Paradise and the Volcanic-Fiery Mountains...]. The Kingdom of Ararat continued the tradition of the mounted warrior culture, increasing it to tens of thousands, thus effectively becoming a superpower throughout the ancient world.

The Imperial Army, now compromised with elements of the allies moved on the remaining parts of Phoenicia and Palestine. Tigran wanted a campaign in Africa, Egypt was in a relative turmoil and had considerably weakened by this period. After acquiring Phoenicia and Palestine the armies of Tigran were approached the Egyptian border, passing the Kingdom of the Nabateans who pledged their support and loyalty to Tigran. Great commercial and cultural centers, including cities such as Tarson, Laodicea, Seleucia, Tyros, Sidon, Berithos [Beirut], as well as number of other polis' in Cappadocia, Cilicia and Commagene where now part of the Armenian Empire.





T H E N E W C A P I T A L




Tigran was a great admirer of great cities and he truly believed that the power of the state relied on the power of strong and prospering cities. The capital city of Artašat, established by King Artašes I, during the imperial period was isolated from the major trade routes and was now in the eastern corner of the vast empire. Tigran wanted to build a new city, a new capital. He envisioned the new capital full of grandeur -- a symbol of the New Armenia and the new order. The master architects searched for a strategically important location that would simultaneously fulfill multidimensional aspects for such an ambitious endeavor. The new capital --Tigranakert [Tigranocerta] -- the City of Tigran -- according to the vision, would become the new center of culture and civilization. '

The city would also serve as a symbol of Greatness and Glory of the Emperor's victories. In the first years of the 70s BC, the Armenian Empire was at the zenith of its power. Tigran finally began the project of the building the dream City of Tigranakert. The location of the city was chosen after precise calculations and planning, taking into the lines of alignment on the crossroads of the most important trade routes of the ancient world. One such important road was the ancient Persian Royal Road, connecting Suza and Sardes -- from the East to the West.



The City of Tigranakert was situated in the Ałdznik Province of Greater Armenia, near the City of Amid. The metropolis was surrounded by huge, thick walls that were 50 cubits [25 meters] in height. A number of niches inside the wall served as stables, storage rooms, warehouses of armaments, ammunition, food supplies and other inventories. The Royal Palace was on the outskirts of the city, surrounded by beautiful gardens.


The King of Kings on the outset of laying the foundations of the Capital, invited nobles, craftsmen and laborers throughout the Empire in order to enrich the flavor of the new city. Many people moved from Cappadocia and Lesser Armenia, to Tigranakert. During its relatively short history, the new Capital had a population of around 100,000 citizens.


The city's markets were filled with traders and merchants doing business -- from all over the ancient world. Tigranakert quickly became a very important commercial, as well as cultural center of the Near East. The magnificent theater that was established by the Emperor, of which he was an avid devotee, conducted dramas and comedies mostly played by Greek as well as Armenian actors.

His youngest son, Prince Artavazd, who would succeed the King of Kings, headed the theatre troop, which included a branch in the old Artaxiad capital of Artašat. As a major center of Hellenistic culture, the Capital attracted a great number of classical scholars who flocked to the patronage of Tigran the Great.

Plutarch wrote that Tigranakert was "a rich and beautiful city where every common man and every man of rank studied to adorn it." The Hellenistic culture during the Artaxiad dynasty had a strong influence and the Greek language was in fact the official language of the court. Tigran had divided Greater Armenia -- the nucleus of the Empire -- into four major strategic regions or viceroyalties, who were in their turn administered locally by the bdešxs or viceroys. After the bdešxs, came the naxarars or high nobility, in their turned followed by the lower nobility -- the sepuhs. The Azats, the most numerous members of the aristocracy followed.

The azats or freemen were members of the Cavalry, the elite forces of the Imperial Army. The azats were trained from their childhood in fighting on horseback, highly skilled in the use of the sword, the bow, and the scimitar. Each azat cavalryman on the battlefield wore armor that extended to the horse itself. The Emperors Royal Guard was also selected from the members of the aristocracy.


Unfortunately the dream of Tigran of every booming Capital, with many ambitious projects and plans was caught short in 69. That year the Romans, headed by pro consul Lucullus, were able to make a breakthrough in the western frontier, in several small skirmishes defeating the Pontic forces under Mithridates. When Lucullus' cohorts reached the Capital, several of the non-Armenian soldiers stationed in Tigranakert opened the main gates of the city. The Romans cared little about the Hellenistic high ideals, which was evident in the barbarous looting and the pillaging of city's cultural wealth.


After the plunder, that included the destruction of statues and temples, the city was set ablaze. The abundant quantity of gold and silver was carried off to Rome as war booty. Lucullus took the most of the gold and silver from the melted down statues, pots, cups and other valuable metals and precious stones. Most of the citizens during the pillage simple fled to the countryside. The newly established theatre building was also destroyed in the fire. The great city would never recover from this devastating blow.







THE DEFEAT OF ROMAN LEGIONS




After a number of battles in western Asia Minor against the Roman invaders, Mithridates along with around two to four thousands courtiers withdrew to the Armenian domain and the protection of Tigran. As earlier noted, during this period the King of Kings faced palace revolts headed by two of his sons -- Zareh and Tigran -- who only persuaded their own power-hungry ambitions of seizing the crown, with the help of outside forces, the Parthians and/or the Romans. Plutarch noted that, "Mithridates meanwhile, a panic-stricken fugitive, found welcome with Tigranes, King of Armenia, who comforted his despair, raised his drooping spirits and restored his ruined fortunes." An emissary from Lucullus demanded the handover of Mithridates, Tigran refused and sent the emissary back to his commander. Now the war between Armenia and Rome was inevitable. Lucullus entered Armenia in the spring of 69. He knew that the most vulnerable point in the west was the Tsop'k' Province [Sophene] which along with the important Province of Korduk (Gordyene) of Greater Armenia had a history of separatist tendencies. Now Tigran faced numerous fronts and enemies within and without. The Parthians were massing on the southern frontier of the Empire, waiting for the right moment to strike, the Romans were encroaching to the West -- yet both of these powers would only achieve victory against Tigran's fighting machine if they acted in a coordinated unison -- a two front scenario. Tigran knew that he had the support of the Army, especially the Armenian Cavalry, that was fiercely loyal to Tigran. It is interesting to note here that Plutarch considered the entry of the Roman general into Greater Armenia a military blunder, since the highlanders were prepared to fight to the death, shoulder to shoulder -- with the regular Imperial Army -- from their impregnable highlands . He wrote "He [Lucullus] seemed to be making a reckless attack, and one admitted on no saving calculation, upon warlike nations, countless thousands of horsemen, and a boundless region surrounded by deep rivers and mountains covered with perpetual snow."

The Romans under Lucullus -- after the treachery at Tigranakert -- became somewhat arrogant -- looking for an easy victory. Tigran's High Priests advised the Emperor to have the decisive battle by the river Aratsani [Arsanias]. He knew that many warriors believed that they will be victorious if the battle is fought by the sacred river. They were right. The Armenian Cavalry came through for Tigran this time as well. The charging horsemen broke the Roman legion formations and chased the fleeing Romans all the way back to the western frontier. Simultaneously, Mithridates led an Armeno-Pontic force and liberated Cappadocia and Pontus itself. The initial successes [if one can consider the burning of Tigranakert as such] of Lucullus faded. After the crushing defeat, the Roman senate recalled the pro consul back to Rome.



After Lucullus' defeat, the Romans fully realized that they were dealing with a formidable foe and in order to win they needed to prepare for a prolonged military campaign. Huge cohorts were put together, including new recruits from throughout Roman provinces. The pro consul Pompey was placed in charge of the military expedition. At the same time the Romans negotiated with the Parthians to open the second front in the south. Tigran the Young, who by this had married the daughter of the Parthian king Hrahat [Phraates] III, was still trying to overthrow his father with the help of both the Romans and the Parthians. The treasonous son personally led the Parthian troops against Greater Armenia, reaching the gates of Artašat in 67. The Armenian Cavalry was able to save the city by surprising the Parthian camp that had besieged the city. The Partian were crushed at the gates of Artašat, however the western frontier was now considerably weakened, thus making it possible for the Roman legions to conquer Pontus. King Mithridates, fled to Crimea, never to see his Pontic Kingdom again. Tigran the Young, led the remainder of the Parthian forces to pro consul Pompey. The Parthian King Hrahat III, organized another incursion into the south of the Empire. The King of Kings, now faced not two, but three fronts -- some of the Armenian naxarars, especially from the Tsop'k' and Korduk' provinces joining the forces of the enemy. Of course, he knew that the pretensions of the external enemies like the Romans and the Parthians were to be expected, but when his own son and nobles were turning against him from within, that was nothing short of a stab in the back. Tigran's only hope for the continuity of the Artaxiad bloodline was his youngest son -- Artavazd -- who would later prove himself to be a true hero. Tigran the Young led the Roman invaders through the passages and secret routes that made their advance very rapid. When the Roman legions reached the gates of Artašat, in 66 BC, the Parthians had overran most of the south and some high ranking naxarars revolted and had proclaimed themselves "kings" of their administrative provinces. At this point the wise Emperor knew that his personal glory was to be secondary when it came to the long term interests of his country and people. Without placing value on his own life, the King of Kings rode to the military camp of Pompey, stationed at the gates of Artašat. Pompey, was unable to believe his eyes, when he saw the long-time foe, unarmed and without his body guards. The gamble that Tigran was hoping for had paid off. Pompey was indeed taken by Tigran's courage. The Emperor told Pompey that he understood the situation and told him, "the gods of providence are on your side now." Tigran offered a "lasting peace," by willing to give in exchange Cappadocia, Syria, Phoenicia, Iberia, Albania, Adiabenē and other kingdoms and territories. Although, this was a blow that sealed the fate of the Empire, nevertheless Great Armenia in of itself, according to the Treaty of Artašat was to remain a sovereign nation. Furthermore, Tigran included in the treaty an article under which the Romans would officially cancel their ill-fated treaty with the Parthians, who were looking forward with the Roman help, in seizing southern territories of Greater Armenia. Pompey was more than willing to agree. The pro consul knew that the senate would rejoice after hearing the news that an agreement was reached with the old foe -- without significant loss of Roman legionnaires -- something that was still remembered from the campaigns of the Lucullus just a few years earlier. Meanwhile Tigran the Young, blinded by his ambitious and malicious drive for power -- was enraged when he heard about the treaty and the fact that there will be no "new King" on the Armenian throne -- the King of Kings, Tigran the Great would retain his throne and with it the haled title of the Emperor. Now Tigran the Young rebelled against Pompey. The traitor to his father, his nation and his people was promptly arrested by the Roman general and sent to Rome as -- not an Armenian -- but -- a Parthian captive representing his father-in-law, King Hrahat III.


Tigran the Great, after the Treaty of Artašat in 66 BC, albeit with the loss of great territories throughout his Empire, kept Great Armenia in of itself a powerful nation. The rebellious naxarars -- that played a significant role in forcing Tigran to sign the treaty were in their turn subdued. The potential strength and wealth of the nation was kept in tact -- a factor that helped Armenia stay the course for the many centuries to come. Also, the provinces of Lesser Armenia, to the east of the river Euphrates, became part of Greater Armenia. After the Treaty of Artašat, Tigran the Great reigned for eleven more years -- a peaceful and economically booming period for the nation. Tigran, cut back the number of troops, -- dismantling the war machine and channeling the resources into agriculture and trade -- geared at attracting major merchant caravans and ensuring them safe passage through the routes and roads of Armenia to the markets of the West. This had an immensely positive effect on the economy of Armenia and a large portion of the population became prosperous. In 55, the King of Kings, Tigran the Great whose Dynastic Artaxiad Royal Family insignia was the Two Eagles -- facing East and West -- and the Eight-Pointed star [8 being the number of solar Regeneration and Renewal -- in an unbroken tradition of ancient Ar-Menian royal heraldic insignia of Mitanni] crossed the abyss into the great beyond -- Returning to The One..


...A recent ABC News article [[May 19, 2004]] noted that according to the Armenian and Italian researchers the "Symbol on his crown that features a star with a curved tail may represent the passage of Halley's comet in 87 BC...Tigranes' [court astrologers] could have seen Halley's comet when it passed closest to the Sun on Aug. 6 in 87 BC according to the researchers, who said the comet would have been a 'most recordable event' -- heralding the New Era of the brilliant King of Kings.



The enlightened ruler peacefully passed away at the age of 85 years old. History proved him to be a great military and political leader, a brilliant tactician and a wise diplomat, and most importantly a builder -- Man of Culture, Beauty and Civilization. It is precisely this multidimensional combination that made him one of the great titans of human history. He left an everlasting mark on the shape and development on the history of Armenia and the Armenian people. To this very day he is still revered and honored by the Armenians as one of the greatest -- if not the greatest -- national heroes. Tigran was not a tyrant who wanted to subjugate others -- but quite to the contrary -- like Alexander the Great before him, a Man of culture and Wisdom, like his son Artavazd II -- a dedicated Mithraic High Priest of the Mehian Mystery Temples [of Mihr or Mher] and an adept Pythagorean -Eleusinian...who glorified and worshipped among other Ideals of the philosophical Ancients -- Youth, Beauty, Strength, Cleanliness, Goodness, Grandeur, Health, Vigor, the Positive Dynamism of the Creative Spirit in Man --Natural Order and Harmony... and striving for the never-ending Quest towards ever great levels of human Excellence and ultimately Spiritual Perfection... -- a finite mortal...with an Infinite immortal Vision... with the guidance of Providence wanting to create a Civilization based on the eternal natural laws of the Universe according to the noble Idea of a -- High Culture...


the tradition survived well into the Middle Ages giving rise to the Templar legend of the Skull of Sidon honoring the ancient Arman bloodline...the birthplace of That Man... AR-Man Philosopher-Teacher Pythagoras...Python...Vishap-Vish[nu]-Fish [EA]...Buddha-Goras... primordial source Armani-Mit[r]anni-Orion] and Roman soldiers, generals, proconsuls and senators during the Armeno-Roman Alliance would soon lead to the fusion of the Armenian Mithraic Solar Cult to the four corners of the Roman Empire including the capital Rome where it became the primary cult of the Roman Aristocracy, the philosophers and literary men, as well as the proconsuls and generals along with the warrior elite and soldiery-- who set up Mithraic Temples or [pl.] Mithrća [sing. Mithrćvm] throughout the Roman Empire [London was an important center of worship and Mithrća were most numerous throughout Germany], most notably in the important settlements and military outposts. The Slayer of the Bull's solar power was symbolically represented by the red Armenian Cap and the circle halo -- symbolic of the inner light or the aura of the sun within -- the Divine Spark of the Creator burning bright within the real temple -- the human body...

These symbols were later adopted and used by Christian artists who depicted Christ-Krist-Krišna [the Son of Sun] and important saints with the aura of illumination. Among other adoption of rites from the Mystery was the important celebration holy day of Mithras the day of the [Re]birth of the Sun of Righteousness from the darkness [ignorance] of the cave -- December 24/25 [Winter Solstice] -- became Christmas Day -- the Day of the Birth of the Son [Sun] taken over from the cult of the dying [and resurrecting...rising and setting Sun] God. With the exception of Marcus Aurelius and possibly one or two others all the Roman Emperors after Antaninus were devotees of Mithras. This profoundly shaped the Western world -- many of the Solar elements became part of the competing much more -- egalitarian proletariat based -- Christian religion that would later replace Mithraism and its natural aristocratic-hierarchic [meritocracy -- for natural not "birth" aristocracy based on a spontaneous order] worldview. The torch of Mithraism would not be completely extinguished it will again be kept lit and held high by the Armenian Kataryals and Parfait in French [the Perfected Ones -- Catharoi in Greek and Perfecti in Latin...] -- the Paulicians [T‛ondrakec‛i P‛aylikians...Children of the Sun] who as the renowned historian Edward Gibbon, in his monumental multivolume work The Rise and Decline of the Roman Empire, rightly noted: "SHOOK THE EAST...AND ENLIGHTENED THE WEST..."

...Only the Great King's body was set ablaze on the huge pyre set up by his inner circle -- the Four Viceroys [bdešx] led by his Son Artavadz [who succeeded his father as Artavazd II] and the Captains of the Royal Bodyguards. But his immortal Spirit -- through his great deeds -- lives. That Spirit and Immortal Legacy and Vision did not leave this world -- it is part and parcel of these very pages [the reference is not only to this Chapter of the Enlightenment Chronicle -- but to the Whole] that you now have in front of your eyes dear reader.


The Philognostic King forged a synthesis of the great Civilizations of the East and the West -- after all the Human Civilization in and of itself -- like the New Rising Sun -- was born approximately 12,000 years ago in the East -- in -- and immediately bordering -- Armenian Highland -- the Beginning of All -- gradually moving towards the West]. That Spirit of changing the World for the better -- in accordance with these high principles was, is and always will be Sublime -- it transcends the everyday mundane, the profane and the vulgar, it is the Ideal...it is... I N F I N I T I.












Edited by Aratta-Kingdom, 21 March 2008 - 01:09 PM.


#20 Ashot

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Posted 21 March 2008 - 01:34 PM

Aratta jan, hents nor etey nayum vor d@ney... enel arach @ngar!!!




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