Artaxĭas
(
Ἀρταξίας) or
Artaxes. The name of
three kings of Armenia.
1.
The founder of the Armenian kingdom, was one of the generals of Antiochus the Great, but
revolted from him about B.C. 188, and became an independent sovereign. Hannibal took refuge
at the court of Artaxias, and superintended the building of Artaxata, the capital of Armenia.
Artaxias was conquered and taken prisoner by Antiochus IV. Epiphanes, about 165.
2.
Son of Artavasdes, was put to death by his own subjects in B.C. 20, and Augustus placed
Tigranes on the throne.
3.
Son of Polemon, king of Pontus, was proclaimed king of Armenia by Germanicus in A.D. 18. He
died about 35.