Being situated at the heart of the Ayrarat province at the centre of the Armenian Highland, Aragatsotn was among the most strategic regions in the history of Armenia, especially since the establishment of the Kingdom of Armenia in 331 BC by the Orontid Dynasty. Later in 190 BC, the Artaxiad dynasty took over the reign of the Armenian Kingdom. During the 2nd century AD, the towns of "Casala" (the Hellenized version of "Kasagh", now Aparan), and "Talina" (now Talin) were mentioned by Ptolemy during the reign of the Arsacid dynasty of Armenia. The territory of Nig canton including the area of Aparan was under the administration of the "Gntunyan" Armenian noble family, while the territory of Aragatsotn canton including the area of Ashtarak was ruled by the Amatuni noble family.