Armenian Kingdom of Commagene – Antiochus (Antiochos) IV Epiphanes (38 – 72 AD)
The Kingdom of Commagene: A Treasure of Armenian Heritage
The Kingdom of Commagene was founded in 163 BC by Armenian kings of the renowned Orontid dynasty, which ruled over Greater Armenia. Its capital was the city of Samosata, named after the Armenian King Samush I (Shamush). The kingdom was strategically located along prosperous trade routes stretching from east to west. Thanks to the hard work of its industrious Armenian inhabitants, it quickly flourished and rose to prominence.
Although the population of Commagene spoke Armenian and Old Syriac, the influence of the Greek language and culture was also significant. This was the Hellenistic period—when all things Greek, without exception, were considered the best, much like French culture in the 19th century, and American culture today.
It is no coincidence that Antiochus I Theos, the Armenian king of Commagene who bore a Greek name, sought to immortalize his name for generations to come. He ordered the construction of a grand sanctuary atop Mount Nemrut, featuring nine-meter-high statues of ancient Armenian and Greek gods and heroes such as Aramazd, Hercules, the goddess of fertility Tyche, the eagle, the lion, and others.
Source of foto: Operative.am
The Armenian Commagene existed until 72 AD, when it was deceitfully captured by the greedy Roman Emperor Vespasian.
Unfortunately, Armenian Nemrut is not as well-known as India’s Taj Mahal. It receives far fewer tourists. Despite its magnificence, it is not even listed among the world’s greatest wonders.
The sanctuary atop Mount Nemrut is, in essence, an artificial mound located at the summit of the mountain. The total area of the sanctuary spans about three hectares. Today, the entire Armenian archaeological site is under UNESCO protection.
Currently, Mount Nemrut is considered the highest open-air museum in the world, and in 1987, it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. Today, Armenians regard the pantheon of Commagene’s gods as part of their heritage, located in Western Armenia, now within the territory of modern-day Turkey.
In 1921, following the Treaty of Sèvres, the Adiyaman region was occupied by Turkey. This led to the renaming of Armenian toponyms, with the “Armenian Highlands” being renamed “Eastern Anatolia”—a continuing attempt to erase Armenian culture.
Sadly, some of the ancient Armenian statues were destroyed by barbarians in the past. As a result, only a few of the statues’ heads remain scattered on the ground today. It is believed that Antiochus himself is buried there. However, no concrete evidence has been found yet—the great king’s tomb remains undiscovered. Only his statue stands.
Sources:
http://www.armenian-history.com/Armenian_coins.htm
Կոմմագենեի Թագավորությունը՝ Հայկական Ժառանգության Գանձ – Western Armenia TV
