Tigranakert in its Glory

"Tigranakert in its Glory", 78"x58", oil on linen (2003)

Tigran the Great starts the construction of a new capital, Tigranakert in 77 BC.  Tigranakert quickly became recognized as the capital of the great state, the echo of grandeur which spoke not only in the border with Armenia, but also in Rome. However, to build the city walls, Tigran did not have time. Rome, seeing the prosperity and the strengthening of the Armenian State (Armenia was considered as the second power State in the world, after the Roman Republic), invaded Armenia in 69 BC.

At first, the Romans succeeded in 69 BC to destroy many buildings of the new capital. However, in 68 BC, at the battle of Aratsani (the Armenian name of the Eastern Euphrates), Tigran the Great defeated the Romans. The Armenians managed to free the main regions of Armenia from the Roman invaders and by 68-66 BC, the war was dominated by Armenians. In 66, BC, in the city of Artashat concluded a Treaty of Peace between Romans and Armenians.

Following this, Tigranes took the country's internal affairs, including reconstruction of damaged capital. Now, he has built strong walls around the perimeter of Tigranakert. The new capital has evolved into a powerful, fortified town.  Up to the 5th-6th centuries AD, Tigranakert continued to be one of the largest and most important cities in Armenia.

Portions of the above story from Ованес Античная Армения.