Page:The History of Armenia - Avdall - Volume 1.djvu/62

 CHAPTER III.

Reign of Aram to that of Anushavan.

ARAM ascended the throne of Armenia on the decease of the late monarch, and by his wisdom and policy greatly extended the dominions which had been bequeathed to him. The Armenian power, under the guidance of this prince, was acknowledged from Mount Caucasus to Mount Taurus, and the study of arts and arms experienced, during his reign, that nurture which rendered the Armenians in the succeeding ages so powerful and respected a nation.

Shortly after his assumption of the royal authority, his kingdom was invaded by the Medes, under their prince Neuchar, who had, for a period of two years previous to the death of Harma levied contributions on the inhabitants of the frontiers. On the news of the entrance of these enemies into the country, Aram collected a body of troops, consisting of 50,000 men, armed, according to the fashion of