چکیده:
When Iran and Rome, the two powers of the ancient era, became neighbors in the 1st century BC (around 92 BC), they initiated conflicts and tensions that continued until the extinction of the Sasanians and the arrival of the Muslim Arabs. Border cities, including the city of Artaxata, played an important role in these conflicts. Therefore, given the importance of the subject, this research aims to analyze the structure and function of the border city of Artaxata. Findings of this research, which was conducted with a descriptive-analytical approach based on the collection of library resources, show that the city of Artaxata was built by Artaxias, the King of Armenia, in the 2nd century BC (around 176 BC). This city, which possessed a fortified structure, was significant for Iran and Rome from geopolitical, political, and military as well as economic and commercial aspects; such that each of these powers sought to dominate this important city. Gaining control of this city was the key to conquering Armenia, and by capturing this city, the two ancient powers could use it as a resting place for military campaigns and armories to invade each other's territories. From an economic and commercial perspective, the capture of Artaxata, which was one of the prominent customs centers between the two empires, meant gaining abundant financial profit in this border city.
خلاصه ماشینی:
The book "History of the Armenians" states that Artaxias, by gaining the attention of the generals of Yervand, the Great King of Armenia, was able to gain control over this region (Mousa Khourni, 1380: 43-48, 165-169).
Therefore, conflicts between Iran and Rome over Armenia arose until they agreed in Rhandea (Rhandea) through a peace treaty that Tiridates would receive the crown from the hands of Nero, the Roman Emperor (Cassius Dio, Vol VIII, LXII, 21-22-23).
In fact, it can be said that the reason the Parthians were able to easily gain control over the city of Artashat was that Armenia at that time was in the hands of Rhadamistus, son of Pharasmanes, King of Iberia, and he behaved violently toward the Armenian subjects (Biwar, 1383: 179).
In any case, considering that Armenia was one of the buffer states between Iran and Rome, which became the center of conflicts during the Sasanian era, studying the structure and function of the city of Artashat — which was located in this land (Armenia) — becomes necessary.
Apart from the influence of Greco-Roman culture on the construction and plan of Armenian cities, especially Artashad, it must be said that given the continuity of this land with Iran, the traces of Iranian architecture and culture can be clearly observed in the details of these buildings.
The fact that this city was located in Armenia, which was the primary center of conflicts between Iran and Rome during the Sassanid period, highlights the importance of this significant border and royal city even more.
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