The foundation upon which Tigranes is to build his Empire is already in place when he comes to power, a legacy of the founder of the Artaxiad Dynasty, Artaxias I, and subsequent kings.

The mountains of Armenia, however, form natural borders between the different regions of the country and as a result, the feudalistic nakharars have significant influence over the regions or provinces in which they are based.

This does not suit Tigranes, who wants to create a centralist empire.

He thus proceeds by consolidating his power within Armenia before embarking on his campaign.

He begins in 94 BCE by deposing Artanes, the last king of Armenian Sophene (east of the Euphrates River) and a descendant of Zariadres.

Tigranes marries Cleopatra, the daughter of Mithridates VI Eupator of Pontus, in 94, and forms an alliance with that kingdom.

At the time, Tigranes is forty-six years old while she is only sixteen.

She is to play a decisive role in the life of Tigranes and all of Armenia.

Cleopatra will bear Tigranes three sons: Zariadres, Artavasdes II of Armenia, Tigranes and a daughter who will marry King Pacorus I of Parthia.