[6] They were recognized as the hereditary rulers of Siwnikʻ with the division of Greater Armenia into provinces (ashkharhs) under Artaxias I in the second century BCE,[5] although they may have been the local ruling dynasty even before that.
[5] In the mid-fourth century, King Tiran appointed Pʻisak Siwni commander of the eastern part of the Armenian troops, while Andovk was made overseer of Arzanene and the city of Tigranocerta.
[5] After the occupation of Armenia by Shapur, Siwnikʻ was ravaged by the Persian troops and many members of the Siwni family were hunted down and killed.
[5] Babik's successors Vaghinak and Vasak are said to have assisted Mesrop Mashtots in establishing schools and spreading Christianity in Siwnikʻ.
[5] It was probably during this period that the Siwnis were entrusted with defended the passes of the Caucasus Mountains against invaders from the north, further increasing their authority in the region.
[5] In 571, at the request of prince Vahan Siwni, Siwnikʻ was removed from Sasanian Armenia and made a part of the province of Adurbadagan.