Argises

Argises (also sometimes rendered as Argistis) refers primarily to two historical figures:

• Argises I: King of Urartu, reigning from approximately 785 to 763 BC. He succeeded his father, Menua, and continued Urartu's expansionist policies. Argises I is known for his military campaigns, particularly against Assyria and other neighboring regions. He consolidated Urartian power in the Armenian Highlands and oversaw significant building projects, including the construction of fortresses and irrigation systems. Inscriptions from his reign provide valuable historical information about Urartian society, religion, and military organization.

• Argises II: King of Urartu, reigning from approximately 714 to 680 BC. He faced internal rebellion and external pressure from Assyria and other powers during his rule. The circumstances surrounding his death are unclear, but historical accounts suggest a period of instability within the kingdom during and after his reign. He is less well-documented than Argises I, and the details of his reign are subject to ongoing historical investigation and debate.

The name "Argises" is of Urartian origin, reflecting the language and cultural heritage of the Kingdom of Urartu, which existed in the region of modern-day Armenia, eastern Turkey, and northwestern Iran. Understanding the reigns of Argises I and Argises II is crucial to reconstructing the history of Urartu and its interactions with other ancient civilizations.