 Historically, Artik has been part of the "Shirak canton" of the ancient Ayrarat province of Greater Armenia.During the reign of the Arsacid dynasty (52-428 AD) and later under Sasanid Persia (428-651), the area of Artik was ruled by the Kamsarakan Armenian noble family.As a settlement, Artik was most probably formed by the Kamsarakans during the 5th century, with the foundation of the monastic complex of the Holy Mother of God (also known as Surp Marine).