Osroene facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kingdom of Osroene
ܡܠܟܘܬܐ ܕܒܝܬ ܐܘܪܗܝ
مملكة الرها ἐπαρχία Ὀσροηνής |
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| 132 BC–AD 216 | |||||||||||||
Map includes Osroene as a tributary kingdom of the Armenian Empire under Tigranes the Great
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| Status | In a strong position during wars between Rome and Parthia from the 1st century BC to the 2nd century AD, it alternated alliances with the two. Abolished by the Roman Empire in 216 | ||||||||||||
| Capital | Edessa | ||||||||||||
| Common languages | Syro-Aramaic (official) Koine Greek Nabataean Arabic |
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| Government | Monarchy | ||||||||||||
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| Historical era | Hellenistic Age | ||||||||||||
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• Established
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132 BC | ||||||||||||
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• Disestablished
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AD 216 | ||||||||||||
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Osroene (also called Osrohene or Osrhoene) was an ancient kingdom. It was located in a region that is now part of modern-day Syria and Turkey. Its capital city was Edessa, which is known today as Şanlıurfa.
Osroene was an Assyrian kingdom. It existed for a long time, from about 132 BCE to 244 AD. During this time, it was sometimes independent and sometimes partly controlled by larger empires.
The people of Osroene spoke Syriac. An old story says that King Abgar V of Edessa became a Christian. This happened because of Thaddeus of Edessa, also known as Saint Addai. He was one of the seventy-two followers of Jesus. By the year 201 AD, or even earlier, Osroene became the first state to officially adopt Christianity. This happened under King Abgar the Great.
What Was Osroene?
Osroene was a kingdom that lasted for over 300 years. It was known by different names, including its capital city, Edessa. The kingdom was important because of its location. It was often caught between powerful empires like Rome and Parthia.
Its History and Rulers
The kingdom of Osroene started around 132 BCE. It was first a small state that broke away from the Seleucid Empire. Over the years, it managed to keep some control over its own affairs. Sometimes it was fully independent. Other times, it was a "client state." This means it was allied with a bigger empire, like Rome or Parthia.
The kings of Osroene were called the Abgar dynasty. They ruled the kingdom for centuries. These kings often had to choose sides in the wars between Rome and Parthia. They tried to keep their kingdom safe and strong.
Osroene and Christianity
One of the most famous stories about Osroene is its connection to Christianity. Legend says that King Abgar V of Edessa became a Christian. This happened in the early days of Christianity. The story says that Thaddeus, one of Jesus's disciples, visited Edessa. He then converted the king and many people in the kingdom.
This legend is very important. It suggests that Osroene was one of the first places where Christianity spread widely. By 201 AD, Osroene officially became a Christian state. This was a very early time for any state to adopt Christianity.
Images for kids
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Roman dependencies, including of Osroene (as of 31 BC)
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Anatolia in the early 1st century AD with Osroëne as a client state of the Parthian Empire
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Ancient mosaic from Edessa (2nd century AD) with inscriptions in the Aramaic language
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Roman province of Osroene, highlighted within the Roman Empire
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Map showing the Eastern Roman provinces, including Osroene, in the 5th century
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Coin of king Abgar, who ruled in Osroene during the reign of Roman emperor Septimius Severus (193-211)
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Coin of king Abgar, who ruled in Osroene during the reign of Roman emperor Gordianus III (238-244)
See also
In Spanish: Osroena para niños
