Tigranes the Great (140–55 BC), was a member of the Artaxiad dynasty and King of Armenia from 95 BC to 55 BC. Under his reign, the Armenian kingdom expanded beyond its traditional boundaries and reached its peak, allowing Tigranes to claim the title of Great King or King of Kings. His empire for a short time was the most powerful state to the east of the Roman Republic.
Tigranes was a follower of Zoroastrianism. On his crown, a Star of Divinity and two birds of prey are displayed. The bird of prey was associated with the khvarenah, i.e. kingly glory. It was possibly also a symbol of the bird of the deity Verethragna.
Halley’s comet is the most sighted and possibly the most influential comet in human history. It is a ‘periodic’ comet, which means it orbits the Sun and returns to the inner solar system over a regular period of time. It takes 75–76 years to orbit the Sun and return to the vicinity of Earth, at which point it can be seen by the naked eye. With its glowing aura and tail—caused by the sun-warming gases, Halley can be both a beautiful and auspicious sight. Throughout history, artists have chronicled moments of change inspired by the comet thus reinforcing the significance of its appearence.
The Halley’s Comet was deemed an omen of good and bad fortune and influenced rulers, emperors and kings to make monumental decisions. Some historians believe that Halley’s appearence in 87 BC was taken as a sign by the Armenian King Tigranes to consolidate his power. He went on to expand the Armenian kingdom, entering into battles against the Romans, becoming known as Tigranes the Great, King of Kings.
Several coins show Tigranes wearing a crown with and image of a star with an elongated, curved tail (the title image). It is thought to be the earliest artistic depictions of Halley Comet. Such representation was most likely intended to link Tigranes’ successes with the auspicious comet and to reinforce and spread the word about Tigranes’ powerful status.
During the First Mithridatic War (89–85 BC), Tigranes supported Mithridates VI of Pontus, but was careful not to become directly involved in the war. He rapidly built up his power and established an alliance with Mithridates VI, marrying his daughter Cleopatra. Tigranes agreed to extend his influence in the East, while Mithridates set to conquer Roman land in Asia Minor and Europe.
Mithridates VI of Pontus was also a follower of Zoroastrianism. He waged several wars in the area of what is now present-day Ukraine. ‘Royal Scythia, Greece, Kyiv Rus‘ has a closer look at those wars. The ‘Cradle of Civilizations‘ takes a much deeper look at the origin of Zoroastrianism.
