Argishti I
Argishti I was a significant king of the ancient kingdom of Urartu, reigning from 780 to 756 BCE. His rule is marked by numerous military campaigns, with historical records indicating that he engaged in military actions almost every year of his reign. This period of expansion was aimed at securing a route to the Mediterranean Sea, reflecting the kingdom's ambitions and strategic interests. Argishti I's military activities brought Urartu into both contact and conflict with Assyria, highlighting the geopolitical dynamics of the time.
In addition to his military endeavors, Argishti I is noted for his contributions to infrastructure and urban development within Urartu. He played a crucial role in the construction and reconstruction of temples, towns, and canals, enhancing the region's economic and cultural landscape. Monuments commemorating Argishti I, such as his striking tufa monument located in Yerevan, Armenia, serve as enduring testaments to his legacy. Overall, Argishti I is remembered as a pivotal figure in Urartian history, exemplifying the kingdom's aspirations and achievements during his reign.
Argishti I
Related civilization:Urartu
Major role/position: King
Life
Nothing is known of the life of Argishti I (ahr-GISH-tee) beyond the events of his reign. His annals were copied as early as 1827 by researcher Friedrich Schulz. In these inscriptions, Argishti I claims to have had at least one military campaign in each year of his rule from 780 to 756 b.c.e. This indicates a relatively long period of expansion in which Urartu was seeking an outlet to the Mediterranean Sea.
Influence
This expansion, which reached the upper and middle Araxes (Araks) River valley, brought the Urartu into contact and conflict with the western reaches of Assyria. Other inscriptions celebrate Argishti I’s role in building and rebuilding temples and towns within Urartu, including the construction of canals.
Bibliography
Piotrovsky, Boris B. The Ancient Civilization of Urartu. Translated by James Hogarth. New York: Cowles, 1969.
Zimansky, Paul E. Ecology and Empire: The Structure of the Urartian State. Studies in Ancient Oriental Civilization 41. Chicago: The Oriental Institute, 1985.
Zimansky, Paul E. “The Kingdom of Urartu in Eastern Anatolia.” In Civilizations of the Ancient Near East, edited by Jack M. Sasson. New York: Scribner, 1995.