Artavasdes I c. 160-121 BC

Artavasdes I, son of Artaxias, continued the Artaxiad rule in a period of growing Parthian power. Little is recorded about his early reign, which likely saw consolidation of his father’s conquests and maintenance of Armenia’s autonomy. Armenian tradition holds that Artavasdes faced internal challenges, but he succeeded in preserving the royal line.

By the end of his reign, Armenia confronted the rising Parthian Empire. King Mithridates II of Parthia launched attacks on Armenia, forcing Artavasdes into a defensive stance. Artavasdes lost control of some border territories – notably the strategic city of Nisibis – as Parthian pressure mounted. To secure peace, he had to acknowledge Parthian suzerainty. In a dramatic turn showing Armenia’s precarious position between great powers, Artavasdes gave his grandson, the future Tigranes II, as a hostage to the Parthian court to guarantee Armenian loyalty. This move underscores that Armenia, while independent, was compelled to navigate carefully between Rome and Parthia, using dynastic diplomacy to survive.

Some accounts suggest he attempted to extend Armenian influence northward: a son of Artavasdes may have become king in Iberia (Georgia), indicating Armenia’s active role in Caucasian politics. Artavasdes I died by around 121 BC (or shortly after), remembered for safeguarding the kingdom through a tumultuous era. He left the throne to his brother Tigranes I.