Siunia Dynasty

The Siunia Dynasty or Siak, Syunik were the first dynasty to rule Syunik, beginning in the 1st century. There rulers belonged to a Armenian family of descendent's of Sisak. [Caucasica IV by V. Minorsky p. 505]

The first known ruler was Valinak Siak (c. 330). His successor was his brother Andok (c. 340).

In 379, King Babik, son of Andok, was re-established as ruler by the Mamikonians. His sister, Pharantzem, was married to Gnel, nephew of Archak II, King of Armenia. This lasted for less than ten years and by about 386 or 387, King Dara was deposed by the Persians.

King Valinak (c. 400-409) was followed by Vasak (409-452). Vasak had two sons, Bagben and Bakur, and a daughter who married Vasak's successor, Varazvahan (452-472). His son Gelehon ruled from 470 to 477 and died in 483. Babik (Bagben) the brother of Varazvahan, became the new king in 477. Hadz, brother of Gelehon, died on September 25, 482.

Syunik was later ruled by other kings: Vahan c. 570, Philipo c. 580, Stephanos c. 590-597, Sahak c. 597, and Grigor until 640.

Inscriptions found in the region around Lake Sevan attributed to the same king (King Artashes I) confirm that in the 2nd century B.C. the District of Syunik constituted part of the Ancient Armenia. [Borisov “Inscriptions of Artaxia (Artashes), King of Armenia, 1946, No 2] [Historical-Philological Magazine, 1965, No 4] [A.G. Perikhanyan, “Aramian Inscription from Zangezur”]

See also

*Syunik

References