Historical Position of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia (South Caucasus) in Achaemenid Administrative System

Caucasus region became a part of Achaemenid Empire during the Dariush attack to Scythian at 513-512 BC, and formed the northern border of the empire. Modern Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia, which generally form the south Caucasus countries, have been part of Achaemenid subordinate nations. In the official lists of Achaemenid satrapies, only the name of Armenia, has been noted and the administrative position of the other regions (Georgia and Azerbaijan) is less clear. The only written source that contains some information about this issue is Herodotus, and Archaeology data also shows that at the end of 6 century BC, major changes and innovations have been occurred in these regions as a result of Persian attendance. According to archaeological data, the most notably are Achaemenid type palaces with bell shaped column bases. Based on Herodotus records and other cultural material, western Armenia was a part of the 18^th satrapy, eastern Armenia was a part of the13^th satrapy, and Azerbaijan belonged to the 11^th satrapy in Herodotus list. Also western Georgia (i.e. Colchis) was not directly a satrapy, and at the extremity border of Achaemenid Empire, had undertaken protecting the north border of the empire against the Scythians, attacks. Although eastern Georgia (i.e. Iberia) was a part of the 11^th or 18^th satrapy in Herodotus list. In general, the aim of this study is to investigate the administrative position of modern Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia in the Achaemeniansatrapal system based on archaeological data. The methodology of this research is based on library research and field visiting of the areas in question.