Khosrov III the Small facts for kids

Khosrov III the Small (Armenian: Խոսրով Գ Կոտակ, Khosrov III Kotak) was a king of Armenia. He ruled from about 330 to 338 or 339 AD. His nickname Kotak means "little" or "short." This was because he was a man of short height. He was named after his grandfather, Khosrov II of Armenia.

Becoming King of Armenia

Khosrov became king after his father, King Tiridates III, died. After Tiridates' death, Armenia faced some problems. A prince named Sanatruk tried to take the throne. Also, a local ruler named Bakur in Arzanene rebelled. He had help from the Sasanian king, Shapur II.

Khosrov's Rise to Power

Many Armenian leaders, including Patriarch Vrtanes I, supported Khosrov. They crowned him king with help from the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great. Khosrov quickly put down Bakur's rebellion. He took back the lands of Arzanene and Armenian Mesopotamia.

Peace and New Laws

Khosrov then made peace with the Sasanian Empire. He agreed to pay them a yearly tribute. He also dealt with two powerful families in Armenia, the Ordunis and the Manavazians. They were causing trouble, so Khosrov took their lands.

Defending the Kingdom

After the Roman soldiers left Armenia, Sanatruk tried to invade again. He had an army of fighters from different areas. Sanatruk attacked Ayrarat, which was the main part of the kingdom. He captured the city of Vagharshapat. This forced Khosrov and Vrtanes to escape to the west.

Victory Against Sanatruk

Armenian forces loyal to Khosrov gathered under their general, Vache Mamikonian. They launched a surprise attack and defeated Sanatruk's army. Sanatruk was killed in a battle near Oshakan. Khosrov rewarded his loyal generals, Vache Mamikonian and Vahan Amatuni. He also gave gifts to other noble families who stayed loyal.

Building a New Capital

After this victory, Armenia had a time of peace. Khosrov used this time to build a new capital city called Dvin. He also created two large hunting areas in Ayrarat. These were called Khosrovakert and Tachar Mayri. Today, the Khosrov Forest State Reserve in Armenia is named after him.

Later Years and Death

In 337, the Sasanian king Shapur II attacked the city of Nisibis. One of his generals also marched towards central Armenia. A noble named Databe Bznuni was supposed to defend the area, but he joined the Sasanian side instead.

Armenian Victories

Vache Mamikonian and Vahan Amatuni led the Armenian army. They won a big battle against the Persian invaders near Lake Van. Databe Bznuni was executed for his betrayal. His family was removed, and their lands were taken by the king.

Royal Control and Alliances

After this, Khosrov made a new rule. All noble families with more than 1,000 soldiers had to live at the royal court. This allowed the king to have more control over them. Khosrov also ended his peace with Sasanian Iran. He made Armenia closer to the Roman Empire.

Final Battles and Legacy

Shapur soon invaded Armenia again. The Armenians fought hard and pushed them back, but many Armenian defenders died. General Vache Mamikonian and many other important lords were killed. Khosrov died in 338 or 339 in Dvin. He was buried in the royal tomb in Ani. His son, Tiran, became the next king.

Khosrov's Family

Khosrov had three children:

• His son, Tiran, who became king after him.
• His daughter, Varazdukht, who married Pap, the son of Patriarch Husik.
• Another daughter, Bambishn, who married Husik's second son, Atanagenes. They had a son named Nerses, who later became the Patriarch of Armenia.

See also

In Spanish: Cosroes III de Armenia para niños

• Dvin
• Khosrov State Reserve