Kings of Sophene/Armenia Arsames I
ca 240 BCE
AE 3.91g 15.75mm
Draped bust to right, wearing bashlyk tied with diadem /
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΡΣΑΜΟΥ, king riding horse to right over fallen soldier, pointing spear in direction of two attacking soldiers standing to left, each holding spear and round shield.
Kovacs 1
The period after Alexander the Great saw a gradual crumbling of empires. From the remnants of his empire came the Seleukid Empire, among others. Later, others, such as Commagene, Sophene, and Armenia came about.
Arsames I founded the Kingdom of Commagene, Sophene, and Armenia. Eventually these would become separate entities themselves. Ziailas of Bithynia took refuge in his kingdom.
Coins from the early rulers of Arsames’ line are difficult to come by, and some are nearly impossible. This one is in quite good condition for the type, and the battle scene on the reverse, as well as the text for “King Arsames” are all legible.
Ziailas of Bithynia takes refuge with Arsames I.
After the death of his father Nikomedes I, Ziailas returns to take over Bithynia after taking refuge with Arsames I.
Arsames I founds Arsamosata in Sophene.
Arsames I supports Antiochos Hierax over his brother Seleukos II Kallinikos for the Seleukid throne.
Arsames I founds Arsameia in Commagene.