A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

3. One of the sons of Tigranes I., king of Armenia, He had at first enjoyed a high place in his father's favour, so that the latter had even bestowed on him the titles and ensigns of royalty. At a later period, however, he was gained over by the party disaffected to the old king, and joined in their intrigues; but the plot being discovered, he sought safety in flight, and took refuge with Phraates king of Parthia. That monarch readily embraced the opportunity, gave him his daughter in marriage, and invaded Armenia with a large army in order to place him on the throne. But the Parthian king was unable to reduce Artaxata, the capital of Armenia, and after some time returned into his own dominions, leaving a part only of his forces under Tigranes, who was quickly defeated by the superior arms of his father. He now however sought a refuge in the camp of Pompey, who was at this time (B. C. 66) in full advance upon Artaxata, and who welcomed the young prince with open arms. But when the elder Tigranes came in person to humble himself before the conqueror, Pompey was easily moved to clemency, and instead of placing the son upon his father's throne, left the latter in possession of the greater part of his dominions, while he erected the provinces of Sophene and Gordyene into a subordinate kingdom for the younger Tigranes. The prince had the imprudence to display openly his dissatisfaction with this arrangement; and not only absented himself from the festival which Pompey gave on the occasion, but soon after openly disobeyed the orders of the Roman general in regard to the disposal of his treasures. Hereupon Pompey caused him to be immediately arrested and detained as a prisoner. A few years later we find him among the captive princes who adorned the triumph of the Roman conqueror, B. C. 61. (Appian, Mithr. 104, 105, 117 ; D. C. 33.33_36; Plut. Pomp. 33, 45.)

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