Argishti I of Urartu facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Argishti I |
|
|---|---|
|
|
| King of Urartu | |
| Reign | 786–764 BC |
| Predecessor | Menua |
| Successor | Sarduri II |
| Born | c. 827 BC |
| Died | c. 764 BC |
| Issue | Sarduri II |
| Father | Menua |
| Mother | Tariria |
Argishti I (Armenian: Արգիշտի Ա) was a very important king of an ancient kingdom called Urartu. He ruled from 786 BC to 764 BC. He is famous for founding the citadel of Erebuni in 782 BC. Today, Erebuni is known as Yerevan, the capital city of Armenia! Some people spell his name as Argishtis, Argisti, or Argishtish.
Contents
Argishti I: A Powerful King of Urartu
Argishti I was the sixth known king of Urartu. He took over from his father, King Menua. Argishti I was a strong leader. He continued to expand his kingdom, just like the kings before him. He led military campaigns almost every year he was king.
Expanding the Kingdom and Building New Cities
Argishti I had some battles with the Assyrian king Shalmaneser IV. These fights didn't always have a clear winner. But Argishti I was very successful in other areas. He conquered the northern part of Syria. This made Urartu the most powerful state in that region after the Hittite Empire.
He also expanded his kingdom north. He reached as far as Lake Sevan. He took control of much of Diauehi and the Ararat Valley.
Building Important Fortresses
After conquering new lands, some people living there rebelled. To keep control, Argishti moved these people to other parts of his empire. He then brought in new people to live in the newly conquered areas.
In 782 BC, Argishti built the Erebuni Fortress. He settled it with 6,600 prisoners of war from other lands. This fortress grew into the city of Yerevan, the capital of Armenia today.
In 776 BC, he also founded another important fortress. It was called Argishtikhinili. This fortress was built near the site of Armavir. Armavir later became the first capital of the Kingdom of Armenia.
What Happened Next?
After his long and successful reign, Argishti I was succeeded by his son, Sarduri II.
The Meaning of His Name
Experts who study languages believe the name Argishti comes from Indo-European roots. For example, in Armenian, the word areg means "sun deity" or "sun." The ancient Greek word argestes means "shining" or "bright." Some inscriptions belonging to King Argishti I have been found in Kepenek Castle near Muş.
See also
- List of kings of Urartu
