| Vache II | |
|---|---|
| King ofCaucasian Albania | |
| Reign | 440–462 |
| Predecessor | Aswagen |
| Successor | Vachagan III |
| Spouse | Niece or sister ofPeroz I |
| House | Arsacid |
| Father | Aswagen |
| Mother | Unnamed sister ofYazdegerd II |
| Religion | Church of Caucasian Albania Zoroastrianism |
Vache II was the ninthArsacid king ofCaucasian Albania from approximately 440 to 462.[1] He was the son and successor ofAswagen (r. 415–440). His mother was a daughter of theSasanian kingYazdegerd II (r. 438–457), and he was himself married to the niece or sister ofPeroz I (r. 459–484).[2]
During the dynastic struggle between the brothers Peroz andHormizd III in 457–459, Vache II took advantage of the tumultuous situation and declared independence.[3] He denouncedZoroastrianism (which he had originally converted to) and reverted toChristianity.[4] He opened the gates ofDerbent for theHuns, and with their aid, attacked the Sasanian army. Peroz responded by opening theDarial Gorge for the Huns, who subsequently ravaged Albania.[4] The two kings soon entered into negotiations and reached an accord: Vache II would return his mother (Peroz's sister) and daughter to Peroz, while he would in exchange receive the 1,000 families he had originally been given by his father as his share of the inheritance. Vache II thereafter abdicated, leaving Albania kingless for a few decades, untilVachagan III (r. 485–510) was installed on the throne by Peroz's brother and successorBalash (r. 484–488).[4]
According toThe History of the Country of Albania, Peroz had during his reign ordered Vache to have the city ofPerozapat ("the city of Peroz" or "Prosperous Peroz") constructed. However, this is unlikely, as the Kingdom of Albania had been abolished by Peroz after suppressing Vache II's revolt.[5] The city was seemingly founded by Peroz himself after the removal of the ruling family in Albania.[6]
| Preceded by | King ofCaucasian Albania 440–462 | Succeeded by |