Великая Армения в системе международных отношений в середине 50-х гг. І в. до н. э.

Abstract

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S. Litovchenko. Great Armenia in the System of International Relations in the Middle of the fifties of the I century B.C.

The history of the foreign policy of Great Armenia in the middle of the fifties of the I century B.C. is considered in the article. Tigranes II continued to keep friendly relations with Rome, in spite of refusal of Romans to interfere in the Armenian-Parthian conflict which has resulted in loss of the possession in Northern Mesopotamia by Armenians. New Armenian king Artavasdes II supported completely the campaign of Crassus against Parthians and offered the most acceptable route of attack thoughtlessly rejected by the Roman commander. The defeat of the Roman troops in the battle at Carrhae made the Armenian king obey Parthians. In the author's opinion, the accusations of Artavasdes II in treason are groundless. The king of Great Armenia surrendered to superior forces of Parthia only after getting news about the defeat of Crassus. Defection of Artavasdes II to the Parthian side was, hence, a forced step that has not correspond the interests of the Armenian kingdom.