Vintage Embossed Copper Wall Decoration of The Love of King Artashes and Satenik

Antique vintage embossed copper wall decoration made in Armenia in the Soviet era 1970s or even early in the 1960s which evokes the love between King Artashes and his Queen Satenik.

Height 10cm – 3.93in

Length 28cm – 11.02in

Weight 171gr

During the reign of King Artashes I (reigned 189 BC – 160 BC)  also referred to as King Artaxias I, a nation called the Alans united with all the people of the mountain country took possession half of Georgia, then they set out to invade the Kingdom of Greater Armenia.

To defend his kingdom Artashes gathered a significantly large army and confronted the invaders at a crossing of the Kur River. According to ancient sources, a fierce war took place between the two armies. The Alans were then forced to retreat somewhat and set up their base camp on the northern bank of the Kur River. In his pursuit to defeat the Alan army, King Artashes set up his camp base on the southern bank of the river.

During the earlier battle between the Armenians and the Alans, the son of the Alan king was captured by the Armenians. This forced the Alan king to seek for “eternal” peace, promising to give the Armenian king whatever he wishes for in return for his son. Artashes refused the offer of the Alan King. In a second attempt to have the prince returned, the sister of the captured prince and the daughter of the Alan King, Princess Satenik tried to reason with Artashes.

After hearing the princes’ wise words Artashes returned to the bank of the river. When seeing that the maiden was beautiful and wise, he desired her. So he called Smpad, his chamberlain and told him that he wishes to have the maiden as his bride and that in return he would promise to the great Alan nation peace and the safe return of their youth.  So Smpad, sent messengers to the King of the Alans, asking him to give the lady Satenik, his daughter as wife unto Artashes.  And the King accepted.

Then, according to the story, Artashes decided to kidnap the princess, since bride abductions were considered honorable during this period. So he mounted his black horse and crossed the Kur River.