History of Nagorno-Karabakh - Artsakh, A Province of The Kingdom of Armenia

Artsakh, A Province of The Kingdom of Armenia

For the first time the territory of modern Nagorno Karabakh is mentioned in inscriptions of Sardur II, King of Urartu (763–734 BC), found in village Tsovk in Armenia, as the region Urtekhini. Then—in our data—a break down to the Roman epoch. A following mention—already at Strabo which characterizes "Orkhistena" (Artsakh) as "the area of Armenia exposing the greatest number of horsemen". It is unclear when Orkhistena became part of Armenia. Strabo, carefully listing all gains of Armenian Kings since 189 BC., has no mention of Orkhistena, which indirectly testifies to the fact that it probably has been an accessory of the Armenian empire to which it could get in the inheritance from Persian satrapy "East Armenia". Ruins of city Tigranakert are situated in near proximity to modern city of Agdam. It is one of four cities with such a name that were built in the beginning of 1 BC by king of Armenia Tigranes the Great. Recently Armenian archaeologists have led excavation of this city. Fragments of a fortress, and also hundreds the ancient subjects similar to subjects, found in Armenia. Fencing of a citadel and basilica of 5th–6th century AD have been revealed. Excavation have shown, that the city existed since 1st century BC until 13th–14th centuries AD.

Ancient inhabitants of Artsakh spoke a special dialect of the Armenian language; we know about this from the author of the Armenian grammar Stepanos Siunetsi who lived in around 700AD.

Strabo and authors of 1st–2nd centuries—Claudius Ptolemaeus and Pliny the Elder—unanimously approve, that border between Greater Armenia and Caucasian Albania is river Cyrus (Kura). Authoritative encyclopedias on antiquity also name Kura southern border of Albania. Artsakh is much to the south of this river. Certificates which would approve its accessory Albania or to other state up to the end of the 4th century, does not exist.

Armenian historian Faustus of Byzantium wrote that during an epoch of the distempers which have followed intrusion of Persians to Armenia (about 370), Artsakh it has appeared among the risen provinces, whereas Utik has been grasped by Albanians. Armenian military commander Mushegh Mamikonian defeated the country of Artsakh in a big battle, made many inhabitants of the region prisoners, took hostages from the rest and imposed a tribute on them. In 372 Mushegh defeated the Albanians, took from them Utik and restored the border on Kura, "as was earlier".

According to "Geography" (Ashkharatsuyts) by 7th c. Armenian geographer Anania Shirakatsi, Artsakh was the 10th among the 15 provinces (nahangs) of Armenia, and consisted of 12 districts (gavars): Myus Haband (Second Haband, as opposed to Haband of Siunik), Vaykunik (Tsar), Berdadzor, Mets Arank, Mets Kvenk, Harjlank, Mukhank, Piank, Parsakank (Parzvank), Kusti, Parnes, and Koght. However Anania writes, that during its time Atrsakh together with the next districts "will tear away from Armenia". And it is valid, in 387 Armenia has been divided between Roman Empire and Persia; thus Artsakh together with Armenian provinces Utik and Paytakaran was attached to Caucasian Albania.