Tigran II Artashesian

Tigran II Artashesian Տիգրան Արտաշեսյան
Born	140 BCE Armenia
Died	55 BCE Armenia
Nationality	Armenian

Tigran II Artashesian (140 BCE – 55 BCE) was the most powerful king of ancient Armenia. He initially came to power with Parthian support, but he soon annexed the Parthian territory of Adurbadagan. He conquered former Seleucid lands to expand Armenian power into Syria and founded the capital city of Tigranakert southwest of Lake Van. Armenia became a major world power, and Tigran adopted the title 'king of kings.'

Tigran joined Mithridates VI of Pontus's anti-Roman alliance but did not give Pontus much support in its wars against Rome. After defeating Pontus, the Romans attacked Armenia in 69 BCE and defeated it in 66 BCE. Tigran signed a peace treaty with Pompeius Magnus that ceded land to Rome and had to declare himself "a friend and ally of the Roman people."