Paytakaran
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 |
The neutrality and factual accuracy of this article are disputed. Please see the relevant discussion on the talk page. (March 2008) |
Paytakaran (Armenian: Փայտակարան), was the easternmost province of the former Kingdom of Armenia[1][2] (also known as "Greater Armenia", which existed over 1500 years ago). The province was located in the area of the lower courses of the rivers of Kura and Araks, adjacent to the Caspian sea.
Contents |
[edit] Province of Greater Armenia
According to Anania Shirakatsi's Ashkharatsuyts ("World Atlas," 7th c. AD), Paytakaran was the 11th among the 15 provinces of the Kingdom of Armenia. It was located to the east of Utik on Araxes and was divided into 12 cantons (gavars), which were at the time in possession of Atropatene: Hrakot Perozh, Vardanakert, Yotnporakyan Bagink, Krekyan, Vovtibagha, Kaghanost, Buros, Pitchanhani, Ateshi-Bagavan, Spandaran-perozh, Vormizd-perozh, and Alevan.[2]
[edit] Previous history
Prior to becoming Paytakaran, the region was known as Caspiane by Greco-Roman authors. Caspiane was contested between the regional powers. According to Strabo: "To the country of the Albanians belongs also the territory called Caspiane, which was named after the Caspian tribe, as was also the sea; but the tribe has now disappeared".[1] Strabo also mentions Caspiane among the lands conquered by king Artaxias I from Medes. However, Armenia later lost it to Albania about 59 BC, when Pompey rearranged the political geography of the region.[3]
[edit] The region today
Today, the area is located in the territory of modern day southeastern Azerbaijan and northeastern Iran.
[edit] References
|
|||||||
