Page:The History of Armenia - Avdall - Volume 1.djvu/80

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.

HISTORY OF ARMENIA. Page 35

his crown by his son Hirachay the Keen, so called from the brightness of his eyes, and who was also contemporary with Hezekiah king of Judah. He died after a reign of 22 years.

Pharnavaz the second, the son of Hirachay, governed Armenia 13 years, and was contemporary with Manasseh the king of Judah and son of Hezekiah.

Pachoych, son of the late monarch of Armenia, ruled 35 years.

Cornak, the son of Pachoych, succeeded his father at his death, and wore the crown of Armenia eight years, when he died, and was succeeded by his son Phavos, who reigned 17 years.

Haykak the second, the son of Phavos, at the death of the latter, ascended the throne of Armenia. He joined Nebuchadnezzar the great king of Babylon in his expedition against the Jews, and on the latter being led into captivity, Haykak took one of their chiefs, named Shambat, together with all his family, and brought him into Armenia: from Shambat are descended the great family of the Bagratians, which afterwards possessed the throne of Armenia, and which derived their name from the illustrious Bagarat, who, it will hereafter be seen, shed such a lustre on the reign of Valarsaces. Many of the most distinguished