Commagene was an ancient Greco-Iranian kingdom ruled by a Hellenized branch of the Iranian Orontid dynasty that had ruled over Armenia. The kingdom was located in and around the ancient city of Samosata, which served as its capital. The Iron Age name of Samosata, Kummuh, probably gives its name to Commagene.
Monumental head of the goddess Commagene (Tyche-Bakht) from Mount Nemrut
Antiochus I of Commagene, shaking hands with Herakles.
Mithras-Helios, in Phrygian cap with solar rays, with Antiochus I of Commagene. (Mt Nemrut, 1st century BC)
Eagle-topped column from the royal burial mound at Karakuş
The Orontid dynasty, also known as the Eruandids or Eruandunis, ruled the Satrapy of Armenia until 330 BC and the Kingdom of Armenia from 321 BC to 200 BC. The Orontids ruled first as client kings or satraps of the Achaemenid Empire and after the collapse of the Achaemenid Empire established an independent kingdom. Later, a branch of the Orontids ruled as kings of Sophene and Commagene. They are the first of the three royal dynasties that successively ruled the antiquity-era Kingdom of Armenia.
An Armenian tribute bearer carrying a metal vessel with griffin handles. 5th century BC.
Armenian soldier of the Achaemenid army, circa 470 BC. Xerxes I tomb relief.
Orontes I Gold coin held at the National Library, Paris, dated to 362 BC.
Nemrut Dağı, Statues at East Terrace
