Artaxias I

Artaxias I
Possible coin of Artaxias I
King of Armenia
Reign	189 – 160 BC
Predecessor	Orontes IV
Successor	Artavasdes I
Died	160 BC Bakurakert, Marand, Kingdom of Armenia
Issue	Artavasdes I of Armenia Tigranes I Vruyr Mazhan Zariadres
Dynasty	Artaxiad dynasty
Father	Zariadres

Artaxias I (from Ancient Greek: Άρταξίας) was the founder of the Artaxiad dynasty of Armenia, ruling from 189 BC to 160 BC. Artaxias was a member of a branch of the Orontid dynasty, the earlier ruling dynasty of Armenia. He expanded his kingdom on all sides, consolidating the territory of Greater Armenia. He enacted a number of administrative reforms to order his expanded realm. He also founded a new capital in the central valley of the Araxes River called Artaxata (Artashat), which quickly grew into a major urban and commercial center. He was succeeded by his son Artavasdes I.