Famous Armenian Emperors & Kings

Tigranes the Great, a king of Armenia from 95 BC to 55 BC, expanded his kingdom significantly by annexing Roman and Parthian territories. He formed strategic alliances, such as marrying the daughter of Mithridates VI of Pontus. Tigranes' empire stretched from the Pontic Alps to Mesopotamia, the Caspian Sea to the Mediterranean, even reaching the Red Sea and Persian Gulf. Known for his admiration of Greek culture, he invited Greek intellectuals to his court and established a new capital, Tigranocerta. Tigranes faced significant defeats against Roman forces but eventually ruled Armenia as a Roman client-king until his death.

Leo V the Armenian was a senior general of Armenian descent who served under previous Byzantine emperors. He distinguished himself in various military campaigns, ultimately becoming the strategos of the Anatolic Theme. Leo seized power by forcing the abdication of Emperor Michael I Rangabe. During his reign, he successfully negotiated peace with the Bulgars and reinstated Byzantine Iconoclasm. However, he faced opposition from supporters of Michael the Amorian and was assassinated, leading to Michael's ascension to the throne.

Tiridates III, also known as Tiridates the Great or Tiridates IV, reigned as the Armenian Arsacid king from approximately 298 to 330. In the early 4th century, around 301, he declared Christianity as the official state religion of Armenia. This significant decision marked Armenia as the first state to adopt Christianity officially. Tiridates III's reign was characterized by his pivotal role in establishing and promoting Christianity within the kingdom, leaving a lasting impact on the religious landscape of Armenia.

Leo I, King of Armenia, reigned from 1187 to 1219, establishing Cilician Armenia as a powerful Christian state. He led his kingdom in support of the Third Crusade, providing aid to crusaders. Leo successfully unified Armenia and strengthened diplomatic ties with Western rulers. He instituted a union of the Armenian church with Rome, enhancing ecclesiastical cooperation. Leo strategically expanded his kingdom by annexing territories like Antioch and fostering commerce through trade charters with Italian cities, boosting revenue and development.

Hormizd I was the third Sasanian King of Kings of Iran, ruling briefly from May 270 to June 271. He previously served as governor-king of Armenia under his father Shapur I. Hormizd I participated in wars against the Roman Empire and oversaw the construction of the city of Hormizd-Ardashir (Ahvaz). He elevated Zoroastrian priest Kartir to chief priest and granted permission to Manichaean prophet Mani to continue preaching. Hormizd I standardized the royal titulary on Sasanian coinage to include "King of Kings of Iran and non-Iran."

Artavasdes II of Armenia, a member of the Artaxiad dynasty, ruled as king from 55 BC to 34 BC. He succeeded his father, Tigranes the Great, inheriting a powerful and independent state. Artavasdes maintained the title of King of Kings and demonstrated authority through his coinage. His reign was marked by strategic political decisions and military engagements, as he navigated Armenia's relationships with neighboring powers. As a ruler, Artavasdes II faced challenges and opportunities, leaving a legacy of leadership and diplomacy during a significant period in Armenian history.

Artaxias I founded the Artaxiad dynasty of Armenia and ruled from 189 BC to 160 BC. He expanded Greater Armenia, implemented administrative reforms, and established a new capital named Artaxata (Artashat). This city became a significant urban and commercial hub under his reign. Artaxias I's leadership was characterized by territorial consolidation, administrative organization, and the promotion of economic growth through the development of Artaxata. He was succeeded by his son, Artavasdes I.

Zariadres was an Orontid ruler of Sophene in the early 2nd century BC. Initially a general of the Seleucid ruler Antiochus III, he later became ruler of Sophene. Historians debate his exact lineage, with most considering him a member of the Orontid dynasty. Following the defeat of the Seleucids by the Romans in 190 BC, Zariadres, along with his ally Artaxias I of Greater Armenia, rebelled, gaining independence and expanding their territories. Zariadres' reign came to an end around 188 BC, succeeded by Mithrobouzanes.