Sugunia was the first capital of
Arame of
Urartu. The city was mentioned in an inscription by the
Assyrian king
Shalmaneser III, who destroyed it in 858 BC.[1]
The Monolith Inscription of Shalmaneser III:
To the city of Sugunia, the stronghold of Aram of the land of
Ararat, I advanced the city, I besieged, I took. Many of their warriors I slew.[2]
Although its exact location is unknown, Shalamaneser III's placement of Sugunia near "the sea of Nairi" has led some scholars to place it near
Lake Van[3][4][5] or near
Lake Urmia.[6][7]
After Sugunia was sacked and burnt by
Shalmaneser III, Arame moved his capital to
Arzashkun, which was subsequently attacked by the Assyrians in 856 BC.[8]