| Tiridates II of Armenia | |
|---|---|
 Obverse of a coin attributed to Tiridates II of Armenia | |
| King of Armenia | |
| Reign | 217–252 |
| Predecessor | Khosrov I |
| Successor | Khosrov II of Armenia |
| Died | 252 |
| Issue | Khosrov II |
| Dynasty | Arsacid dynasty |
| Father | Khosrov I |
| Religion | Zoroastrianism |
Tiridates II, flourished second half of the 2nd century - died 252), known in Armenian sources as Khosrov,[1] was an Arsacid Prince who served as a Roman Client King of Armenia. Tiridates II was the son and heir of Khosrov I, king of Armenia.[2]
Between 214 and 216, Tiridates II and his family were held in detention by the Romans which provoked a major uprising in Armenia against Rome.[3] In 215, the Roman emperor Caracalla led the Roman army and invaded Armenia to end the uprising.[3]
In 217 Khosrov I had died and Tiridates II succeeded his father as king of Armenia.[3] Tiridates II was granted the Armenian crown[4] by Caracalla.[3] He was declared King of Armenia upon Caracalla's assassination (8 April 217).[3]
Tiridates II ruled as king of Armenia from 217 until his death in 252.[3] After the death of Caracalla, Macrinus became the new Roman emperor and Macrinus agreed to release Tiridates II's mother from Roman captivity.[5] After the Battle of Nisibis in 217 between Rome and Parthia and the treaty that was then agreed, Tiridates II was restored to his Armenian throne[6] and his rule over Armenia was officially recognised.
At an unknown date during his reign, there's the possibility that the Mamikonian family immigrated from Chenk’ (thought to refer to China or Bactria) through Persia to Armenia.[7] Tiridates II was the first king of Armenia to persecute Christians. This persecution continued under his successors.[8]
- ^ Russell 1987, p. 167.
- ^ Adalian 2010, p. xxxii.
- ^ a b c d e f Adalian 2010a, p. 174.
- ^ Hovannisian, The Armenian People From Ancient to Modern Times, Volume I: The Dynastic Periods: From Antiquity to the Fourteenth Century, p.71
- ^ Cassius Dio, Book LXXIX, Chapter 27
- ^ Erdkamp, A Companion to the Roman Army, p.p.247&251
- ^ V. M. Kurkjian, A History of Armenia, Armenian General Benevolent Union of America 1958: Chapter XVII The Arsacids (Arshakunis) of Armenia
- ^ Chahin, The Kingdom of Armenia: A History, p.261