Khosrov III the Small

Khosrov III the Small (Armenian: Խոսրով Գ Կոտակ, Khosrov III Kotak; Kotak means small, flourished second half of the 3rd century & first half of the 4th century, ruled 330–339) was a Prince who served as a Roman Client King of Arsacid Armenia.

Khosrov was the son and successor of King Tiridates III and Queen Ashkhen. His paternal aunt was the Princess Khosrovidukht; his sister was Princess Salome and had an unnamed sister who married St. Husik I, one of the earlier Catholicoi of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Khosrov received the epithet Kotak because he was a man of short stature. He was the namesake of his paternal grandfather Khosrov II of Armenia, and the Parthian and Armenian monarchs of this name, see Khosrau.

Khosrov lacked the moral and physical vigour of his father,[1] yet he was very tactful, diplomatic and was backed by St. Vrtanes I.[2] Armenia under his rule enjoyed a period of prosperity. He founded a hunting ground (which was named after him) and the city of Dvin, which later became the Armenian capital.[3]

During Khosrov's reign, two generals, Vache Mamikonian and Vahan Amatuni, distinguished themselves for their valor in battle, often coming to help the king. During these years, pro-Sassanid and anti-Mamikonian sentiment grew in Armenia and so did anti-Roman sentiment. Pro-Sassanid groups gained popularity so much so that they were successful in assassinating Catholicos St. Aristaces I, second son of Gregory the Illuminator. The Sassanid King Shapur II of the Persians invaded Armenia twice and did gain some territory. Vache Mamikonian was killed in those battles and was later named a saint by the Armenian Apostolic Church for his sacrifice. Khosrov died in 339 and was succeeded by his son Tigranes VII (Tiran).

By an unnamed wife, Khosrov had three children:

• Son, Tigranes VII, also known as Tiran.
• Daughter, Varazdoukht. She married Papas (Pap), the first son of St. Husik I who renounced his Catholicos position in 348.
• Daughter, Bambish. She married At’anaganes, the second son of St. Husik I. Bambish and At’anaganes had a son called Nerses, who would become a future Catholicos of Armenia.