Page:The History of Armenia - Avdall - Volume 1.djvu/96

HISTORY OF ARMENIA.

CHAPTER II.

Comprehending the time that elapsed between the Government of Artavaz and Artavazd.

AFTER the death of Hirant, the government of the country was seized by Artavaz, an Armenian chief of great power and influence. He exercised his power in the most arbitrary manner. Being naturally of an unquiet ambitious spirit, he, by various successful wars, extended his dominion to the confines of Atropatia and other surrounding countries. Elated by his successes, he boldly declared himself independent of the Seleucidae, to whom he thenceforward refused to pay the usual tribute.

Antiochus, at this epoch, swayed the sceptre of Seleucia. Upon his being made acquainted with the defalcation of Artavaz, he determined to bring him to reason. He assembled his forces hereupon and marched with great heat toward the latter. The refractory Artavaz, however, not daring to meet Antiochus in the field, was obliged to compromise, and Armenia