Siunia dynasty

The Siunia also known as the Siak or Syunik were a family of ancient Armenian nobles who were the first dynasty to govern as Naχarars in the Syunik Province in Armenia from the 1st century. The Naχarars were descendants of Sisak.

The first known ruler was Valinak Siak (c.330) and his successor was his brother Andok or Andovk (Antiochus, c.340). In 379 Babik (Bagben) the son of Andok, was re-established as a Naχarar by the Mamikonian family. Babik had a sister called Pharantzem who had married the Arsacid Prince Gnel, nephew of the Armenian King Arsaces II (Arshak II) and later married Arsaces II as her second husband. Babik's rule lasted for less than ten years and by about 386 or 387, Dara was deposed by the Sassanid Empire.

Valinak (c.400-409) was followed by Vasak (409-452). Vasak had two sons: Babik (Bagben), Bakur and a daughter who married Vasak’s successor, Varazvahan (452-472). Varazvahan’s son Gelehon ruled from 470-477, who died in 483. Babik (Bagben) who was the brother of Varazvahan became the new Naχarar in 477. Hadz the brother of Gelehon died on September 25 482. The Syunik Province was later governed by Vahan (c.570), Philip (Philipo, c.580), Stephen (Stephanos, c.590-597), Sahak (Issac, c.597) and Grigor (Gregory, until 640).