The Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia (also known as Lesser Armenia; Armenian: Կիլիկիոյ Հայկական Թագաւորութիւն, not to be confused with the Armenian Kingdom of Antiquity) was a state formed in the Middle Ages by Armenian refugees fleeing the Seljuk invasion of Armenia.^[1] It was located on the Gulf of Alexandretta of the Mediterranean Sea in what is today southern Turkey. The kingdom was independent from around 1078 to 1375. Events William I of England, in a letter, reminds the Bishop of Rome that the King of England owes him no allegiance. ... Events October 24 - Valdemar IV of Denmark dies and is succeeded by his grandson Olaf III of Denmark. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_the_Democratic_Republic_of_Armenia. ... Motto None Anthem Mer Hayrenik (Our Fatherland) Map of the Democratic Republic of Armenia from March 1919 to March 1920. ... Image File history File links Metadata No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links RubenidCOA.gif‎ Coat of Arms of the Rubenid Dynasty of the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia Copyright©2004 Andrew Andersen Atlas of Conflicts File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Image File history File links Armenianmediterian. ... Throughout the world there are many cities that were once national capitals but no longer have that status because the country ceased to exist, the capital was moved, or the capital city was renamed. ... Kozan (37°27′N 35°48′E) is a city in Adana Province, Turkey. ... For other uses, see Latin (disambiguation). ... Official standard of Karekin II Catholicos of Armenia The Armenian Apostolic Church (Armenian: Õ€Õ¡Õµ Ô±Õ¼Õ¡Ö„Õ¥Õ¬Õ¡Õ¯Õ¡Õ¶ Եկեղեցի, Hay Arakelagan Yegeghetzi), sometimes called the Armenian Orthodox Church or the Gregorian Church, is the worlds oldest national church[1] [2] and one of the most ancient Christian communities [3]. // Baptism of Tiridates III. The earliest... For the documentary series, see Monarchy (TV series). ... Ruben I of Armenia (also Rhupen or Roupen) (1025–1095) was the Lord of Gobidar and Goromosol, and was the first to declare Cilician Armenia to be an independent nation. ... The Middle Ages formed the middle period in a traditional schematic division of European history into three ages: the classical civilization of Antiquity, the Middle Ages, and modern times, beginning with the Renaissance. ... Leo II of Armenia, (Armenian: Levon II) known as The Magnificent (1150 – May 5, 1219) was king of the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia, ruling from 1187–1219. ... Events End of the reign of Emperor Go-Toba of Japan Emperor Tsuchimikado ascends to the throne of Japan January 8 - Pope Innocent III ascends Papal Throne Frederick II, infant son of German King Henry VI, crowned King of Sicily Births August 24 - Alexander II of Scotland (d. ... The Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia (sometimes referred to as Armenia Minor) was a state formed in the Middle Ages by Armenian refugees fleeing the Seljuk invasion of Armenia. ... The Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia (sometimes referred to as Armenia Minor) was a state formed in the Middle Ages by Armenian refugees fleeing the Seljuk invasion of Armenia. ... The Middle Ages formed the middle period in a traditional schematic division of European history into three ages: the classical civilization of Antiquity, the Middle Ages, and modern times, beginning with the Renaissance. ... The Seljuk coat of arms was a double headed eagle The Seljuk Turks (also Seldjuk, Seldjuq, Seljuq; in modern Turkish Selçuklular; in Persian سلجوقيان SaljÅ«qiyān; in Arabic سلجوق SaljÅ«q, or السلاجقة al-Salājiqa) were a major branch of the Oghuz Turks and a dynasty that ruled parts of... The Gulf of Ä°skenderun (Turkish: Ä°skenderun Körfezi), formerly the Gulf of Alexandretta, is a gulf or inlet of the eastern Mediterranean Sea, on the southern coast of Turkey near its border with Syria. ... Composite satellite image of the Mediterranean Sea. ... Events Romanesque church begun at Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain Anselm of Canterbury becomes abbot of Le Bec William the Conqueror ordered the White Tower to be built Births Deaths Categories: 1078 ... Events October 24 - Valdemar IV of Denmark dies and is succeeded by his grandson Olaf III of Denmark. ...

The Kingdom of Cilicia was founded by the Rubenian dynasty, an offshoot of the larger Bagratid family that at various times held the thrones of Armenia and Georgia. Their capital was Sis. Cilicia was a strong ally of the European Crusaders, and saw itself as a bastion of Christendom in the East. It also served as a focus for Armenian nationalism and culture, since Armenia was under foreign occupation at the time. The Bagratid Dynasties – Bagratuni in Armenia and Bagrationi in Georgia – were the longest-reigning royal families in the Caucasus (and in Europe), starting as princely houses and attaining to the royal status in both countries in the 9th century. ... Kozan (37°27′N 35°48′E) is a city in Adana Province, Turkey. ... This article is about the medieval crusades. ...

Major cities and castles of the kingdom included the port of Korikos, Lampron, Partzerpert, Vahka (modern Feke), Hromgla, Tarsus, Anazarbe, Til Hamdoun, Mamistra (mod. Misis: the classical Mopsuestia), Adana and the port of Ayas (Aias). Corycus (Greek: Κώρυκος; also transliterated Corycos or Korykos) was an ancient city in Cilicia Trachaea, Anatolia, located at the mouth of the Calycadnus (now Göksu); the site is now occupied by the town of Kızkalesi (formerly Ghorgos), Mersin Province, Turkey. ... Namrun Kalesi is a castle near the town of Çamliyayla in Mersin Province, Turkey. ... Feke is a district of Adana Province of Turkey. ... The Qalat ar-Run was a powerful fortress on the river Euphrates, 50 km northeast of Gaziantep, Turkey. ... 68. ... Anazarbus (med. ... Mopsuestia is an ancient city of Cilicia. ... Adana (Turkish: , Greek: ) (the ancient Antioch in Cilicia or Antioch on the Sarus) is the capital of Adana Province in Turkey. ... Ayas is a small town in Yumurtalık district, Adana Province, Turkey, located east of the mouth of the Ceyhan River. ...

Byzantine Cilicia

Cilicia was reconquered from the Arabs by the Byzantine Emperor Nicephorus II Phocas around 965. He expelled the Muslims living there, and Christians from Syria and Armenia were encouraged to settle in the region. Emperor Basil II (976-1025) attempted to expand into Armenian Vaspurakan in the East and Arab-held Syria towards the south. As a result of the Byzantine military campaigns, the Armenians spread into Cappadocia and eastward from Cilicia into the mountainous areas of northern Syria and Mesopotamia.^[2] Languages Arabic other minority languages Religions Predominantly Sunni Islam, as well as Shia Islam, Greek Orthodoxy, Greek Catholicism, Roman Catholicism, Alawite Islam, Druzism, Ibadi Islam, and Judaism Footnotes a Mainly in Antakya. ... “Byzantine” redirects here. ... Emperor Nicephoros Phocas Nicephorus II Phocas was one of the most brilliant generals in the history of Byzantium who rose to become a mediocre emperor from 963 until his assassination in 969. ... March 1 - Pope Leo VIII is restored in place of Pope Benedict V October 1 - Pope John XIII succeeds Pope Leo VIII as the 133rd pope. ... A Muslim is a believer in or follower of Islam. ... Painting of Basil II, from an 11th century manuscript. ... Vaspurakan was a province and then kingdom of Greater Armenia during the Middle Ages. ... For other uses, see Cappadocia (disambiguation). ...

The Armenian immigration increased with the formal annexation of Greater Armenia to the Byzantine Empire in 1045 and the Seljuk conquest 19 years thereafter, giving two new waves of migration.^[2] After the fall of Bagratid Armenia, and during the following centuries, the Armenian state was unable to re-establish itself and its sovereignty. It remained under the rule of Turkic tribes. Events Emperor Go-Reizei ascends the throne of Japan. ...

Foundation of Armenian power in Cilicia

The coat of arms of the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia, given to Leo II of Armenia of the Rubenid Dynasty by Pope Celestine III of Rome.

The Armenians came to serve the Byzantines, as military officers and governors; they were given control of important cities on the Byzantine Empire's eastern frontier. When Imperial power in the region weakened in the chaotic years after the Battle of Manzikert, some of these seized the opportunity to set themselves up as sovereign Lords, while others remained, at least in name, loyal. The most successful of these early warlords was Philaretos Brachamios, a former Armenian general of Romanus IV Diogenes. Between 1078 and 1085, Philaretus built a principality stretching from Malatia in the north to Antioch in the south, and from Cilicia in the east to Edessa in the west, but after his death his dominion disintegrated into local lordships again. He invited many Armenian nobles, and gave them land and castles.^[2] Haik, the legendary ancestor of the Armenians. ... The name Armenia is an exonym, the Armenian language name for the country being Hayk‘ (see Haik for a discussion of that name). ... Haik is the legendary establisher of the first Armenian nation. ... Hayasa-Azzi or Azzi-Hayasa was a confederation formed between the Kingdoms of Hayasa located South of Trabzon and Azzi, located North of the Euphrates and to the South of Hayasa. ... Kingdom of Mitanni Mitanni (cuneiform KUR URUMi-it-ta-ni, also Mittani Mi-ta-an-ni, in Assyrian sources Hanigalbat, Khanigalbat cuneiform Ḫa-ni-gal-bat ) was a Hurrian kingdom in northern Mesopotamia from ca. ... This does not cite its references or sources. ... Urartu at its greatest extent 743 BC Urartu (Biainili in Urartian) was an ancient kingdom in the mountainous plateau between Asia Minor, Mesopotamia, and Caucasus mountains, later known as the Armenian Highland, and it centered around Lake Van (present-day eastern Turkey). ... The Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia (sometimes referred to as Armenia Minor) was a state formed in the Middle Ages by Armenian refugees fleeing the Seljuk invasion of Armenia. ... The Orontid Dynasty was the first Armenian dynasty. ... Sophene as part of the Empire of Tigranes The Kingdom of Sophene (Armenian: ) was an ancient Armenian kingdom. ... The Artaxiad Dynasty ruled Armenia from 189 BC until their overthrow by the Romans in AD 12. ... Map showing Commagene as a tributary kingdom of the Armenian Empire under Tigranes the Great. ... The Arsacid Dynasty (Arshakuni Dynasty) ruled the Kingdom of Armenia from AD 54 to 428. ... The medieval history of Armenia covers the history of Armenia during the Middle Ages. ... Marzpanate period is the time in Armenian history after the fall of the Arshakuni Dynasty of Armenia in 428, when most of Armenia was governed by Marzbans (Governors-general of the boundaries), nominated by the Sassanid Persian King. ... Byzantine Armenia is the name given to the Armenian part of the Byzantine Empire. ... The Arab conquest of Armenia was a part of the Muslim conquests which began after the death of the prophet Muhammad. ... The Bagratuni or Bagratid royal dynasty of Armenia (Armenian: Բագրատունյաց Ô±Ö€Ö„Õ¡ÕµÕ¡Õ¯Õ¡Õ¶ Տոհմ or Bagratunyac Arqayakan Tohm) is a royal family whose branches formerly ruled many regional polities, including Armenian lands of Syunik, Lori, Vaspurakan, Kars, Taron, and Tayk. ... Vaspurakan was a province and then kingdom of Greater Armenia during the Middle Ages. ... Zakarid Armenia Ca. ... Persian Armenia, AD 387-591 Persian Armenia corresponds to the Armenian territory controlled by Persia throughout history. ... Patriarch Harutyun I The Ottoman rule of Armenia or Ottoman Armenia, beginning with the rule of Selim II (1524 – 1574) becomes the integral part of the Ottoman Empire. ... Eastern Armenia or Russian Armenia is the portion of Ottoman Armenia that was ceded to the Russian Empire following the Russo-Turkish War, 1828-1829. ... Contemporary political cartoon portraying Hamid as a butcher of the Armenians During the long reign of Sultan Hamid, unrest and rebellion occurred in many areas of the Ottoman Empire. ... Armenian Genocide photo. ... Motto None Anthem Mer Hayrenik (Our Fatherland) Map of the Democratic Republic of Armenia from March 1919 to March 1920. ... State motto: ÕŠÖ€Õ¸Õ¬Õ¥Õ¿Õ¡Ö€Õ¶Õ¥Ö€ Õ¢Õ¸Õ¬Õ¸Ö€ Õ¥Ö€Õ¯Ö€Õ¶Õ¥Ö€Õ«, միացեք! (Workers of the world, unite!) Official language None. ... The military history of Armenia encompasses a period of several thousand years, as the Armenian people have existed as a nation since the Early Bronze Age. ... // 883 BC: Foundation of the Kingdom of Urartu with Aramé. 834-828 BC: Reign of Sarduri I who constructs Tushpa (Van). ... Combatants Byzantine Empire Seljuk Turks Commanders Romanus IV #, Nikephoros Bryennios, Theodore Alyates, Andronikos Doukas Alp Arslan Strength ~ 20,000 [1] (40,000 initial) ~ 20,000 [2] - 70,000[1] Casualties ~ 8,000 [3] Unknown The Battle of Manzikert, or Malazgirt was fought between the Byzantine Empire and Seljuk Turkic forces... Seal of Philaretos Brachamios, Protokuropalates & Domestic of the Scholae. ... Romanus IV (Diogenes), Byzantine emperor from 1068 to 1071, was a member of a distinguished Cappadocian family, and had risen to distinction in the army, until he was convicted of treason against the sons of Constantine X. While waiting for his execution he was summoned into the presence of the... April 2 - Emperor Zhezong became emperor of Song Dynasty. ... Malatya is a city in south-eastern Turkey, and the capital of Malatya Province. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Antakya. ... Cilicia as Roman province, 120 AD In Antiquity, Cilicia (Κιλικία) was the name of a region, now known as Çukurova, and often a political unit, on the southeastern coast of Asia Minor (modern Turkey), north of Cyprus. ... The heritage of Roman Edessa survives today in these columns at the site of Urfa Castle, dominating the skyline of the modern city of Åžanlı Urfa. ...

One of those princes was Ruben, who had close ties with the last Bagratuni Dynasty Armenian king, Gagik II. He thought that he would never be able to reinstate the Bagratid kingdom, so he rebelled against the Byzantine Empire in Cilicia. He rallied with him many other Armenian landlords and nobles. Thus, in 1080, the foundations of the independent Armenian princedom of Cilicia, and of the future kingdom, were laid under Ruben's (who would be called Rubenids) leadership and that of his descendants.^[3] The Bagratuni or Bagratid royal dynasty of Armenia (Armenian: Բագրատունյաց Արքայական Տոհմ or Bagratunyac Arqayakan Tohm) is a royal family whose branches formerly ruled many regional polities, including Armenian lands of Syunik, Lori, Vaspurakan, Kars, Taron, and Tayk. ... The Rubenids were an Armenian dynasty who dominated parts of Cilicia, and who established the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia. ...

By the end of the 11th century, upon Ruben's death in 1095, there were six important principalities in the area: Events The country of Portugal is established for the second time. ...

• Lampron (after Namrun, now Camliyayla) and Babaron (Candir Kale), located at the southern end of the Cilician Gates, were controlled by the former Byzantine general Oshin, the founder of the important Hethumid dynasty.
• To the north east was the principality of Constantine I of Armenia, the son of Prince Rouben I. His power was based around the fortresses of Partzapert and Vahka.
• Further to the north east, and outside of Cilicia, was the principality of Marash (modern Kahramanmaraş). It was ruled by Tatoul, a former Byzantine official.
• East of Maraş, the Armenian Kogh Vasil held the fortresses of Raban (modern Altınaşkale) and Kesoun as a Seljuk vassal.
• To the north of these, on the Upper Euphrates, lay the principality of Malatya (Melitene), held by Gabriel, one of Philaretus' former officers, under Seljuk overlordship.
• Finally, beyond Malatya, was Edessa, controlled by Thoros, another of Philaretus' officers, and son-in-law of Gabriel of Malatya.

The Cilician Gates of wic (Turkish Külek Boazi or Gulek Bogazi) form the main passage through the Taurus Mountains of southern Turkey. ... The Hethumids were the rulers of Armenia from 1226 to 1373. ... Constantine I of Armenia (d. ... Ruben I of Armenia (also Rhupen or Roupen) (1025–1095) was the Lord of Gobidar and Goromosol, and was the first to declare Cilician Armenia to be an independent nation. ... The Seljuk coat of arms was a double headed eagle The Seljuk Turks (also Seldjuk, Seldjuq, Seljuq; in modern Turkish Selçuklular; in Persian سلجوقيان Saljūqiyān; in Arabic سلجوق Saljūq, or السلاجقة al-Salājiqa) were a major branch of the Oghuz Turks and a dynasty that ruled parts of... Malatia can also be a misspelling of the medical term Malacia. ... Gabriel of Melitene was the ruler of Melitene (modern Malatya). ... The heritage of Roman Edessa survives today in these columns at the site of Urfa Castle, dominating the skyline of the modern city of Şanlı Urfa. ... Thoros (or Theodoros, died March 9, 1098) was the ruler of Edessa at the time of the First Crusade. ...

The First Crusade and the Roubenid principality

During the reign of Constantine I, the Crusaders, in retaliation for the Seljuk invasion of Jerusalem, descended upon Anatolia and the Middle East. With the First Crusade, the Armenians in Cilicia gained powerful allies among the Frankish crusaders. With their help, they secured Cilicia from the Turks, both by direct military actions in Cilicia and by establishing Crusader states in Antioch and Edessa.^[3] The Armenians also helped the Crusaders, as described by Pope Gregory XIII: Constantine I of Armenia (d. ... The Crusaders (formerly the Canterbury Crusaders) are a New Zealand Rugby Union team based in Christchurch, New Zealand that competes in the Super 14 (formerly the Super 12). ... Combatants Christendom, Catholicism West European Christians, Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia Seljuks, Arabs and other Muslims The First Crusade was launched in 1095 by Pope Urban II with the dual goals of destroying the peaceful Islamic civilizations and confirming the barbaric nature of European society. ... The Crusader states, c. ... The Principality of Antioch in the context of the other states of the Near East in 1135 AD. The Principality of Antioch, including parts of modern-day Turkey and Syria, was one of the crusader states created during the First Crusade. ... The County of Edessa was one of the Crusader states in the 12th century, based around a city with an ancient history and an early tradition of Christianity (see Edessa). ... Pope Gregory XIII (January 7, 1502 – April 10, 1585), born Ugo Boncompagni, was Pope from 1572 to 1585. ...

Coin of the Cilician Armenian kingdom , 1080-1375.

Among the good deeds which the Armenian people has done towards the church and the Christian world, it should especially be stressed that, in those times when the Christian princes and the warriors went to retake the Holy Land, no people or nation, with the same enthusiasm, joy and faith came to their aid as the Armenians did, who supplied the crusaders with horses, provision and guidance. The Armenians assisted these warriors with their utter courage and loyalty during the Holy wars.

—Ecclesia Romana, 1584

The Armenians and crusaders were partly allied, partly rivals for two centuries to come.

Eventually, there emerged some sort of centralized government in the area with the rise of the Roupenid princes. During the 12th century they were the closest thing to a ruling dynasty, and wrestled with the Byzantines for the power over the region. Prince Leon I integrated the Cilician coastal cities to the Armenian principality, thus consolidating Armenian commercial leadership in the region. He was eventually defeated by Emperor John II in 1137, who still considered Cilicia to be a Byzantine province, and was imprisoned with several other family members.^[3] He died in prison three years later. Leon's son and successor, Thoros II, was also imprisoned, but escaped in 1141. He returned to lead the struggle with the Byzantines. Initially he was successful, but eventually, in 1158, he paid homage to Emperor Manuel I. The Roupenids were an Armenian dynasty who dominated parts of Cilicia, and came to found the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia. ... Leo I of Armenia (died February 14, 1140) was Lord of the Mountains 1129–1140. ... Mosaic of John II John II Comnenus (September 13, 1087 - April 8, 1143) was Byzantine emperor from 1118 to 1143. ... // Groups BL1137 is the (now defunct) Unix group at Bell Labs in Murray Hill, NJ where Unix and C were invented. ... Thoros II of Armenia (died 1169) was prince of the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia, ruling from 1140 to 1169. ... Events February 2 - Battle of Lincoln. ... Events January 11 - Vladislav II becomes King of Bohemia End of the formal reign of Emperor Go-Shirakawa of Japan, also the beginning of his cloistered rule, which will last to his death in 1192. ... Manuel I Comnenus (Greek: Μανουήλ Α ο Κομνηνός; November 28, 1118 – September 24, 1180), was a Byzantine Emperor of the 12th century who reigned over a crucial turning point in the history of Byzantium and the Mediterranean. ...

Cilicia had become so significant in these years, that in 1151, the head of the Armenian Church transferred his see to Hromgla.^[2] Events Ghazni is burned by the princes of Ghur Geoffrey of Anjou dies, and succeeded by his son Henry, aged 18. ... The Qalat ar-Run was a powerful fortress on the river Euphrates, 50 km northeast of Gaziantep, Turkey. ...

The Roubenid princes continued to rule Cilicia.

The Kingdom of Armenia

Leon II started his reign as a prince in 1187. He became one of the most important figures of the Cilician Armenian state. Leo II of Armenia, (Armenian: Levon II) known as The Magnificent (1150 – May 5, 1219) was king of the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia, ruling from 1187–1219. ... // Events May 1 - Battle of Cresson - Saladin defeats the crusaders July 4 - Saladin defeats Guy of Lusignan, King of Jerusalem, at the Battle of Hattin. ...

During his reign, he had to face Konya's, Aleppo's, and Damascus' rulers. By doing so, he integrated new lands to Cilicia and doubled the state's ownership of the Mediterranean coast. He also put great effort into augmenting the state's military might.^[3] Konya (Ottoman Turkish: ; also Koniah, Konieh, Konia, and Qunia; historically also known as Iconium (Latin), Greek: Ikónion) is a city in Turkey, on the central plateau of Anatolia. ... Aleppo (or Halab Arabic: , ) is a city in northern Syria, capital of the Aleppo Governorate. ... For other uses, see Damascus (disambiguation). ...

Fortress of Korikos in Cilician Armenia. 13th century

At that time, Saladin of Egypt greatly weakened the Crusader states, forcing the Europeans to launch another Crusade. Leo II profited from the situation by improving relations with the Europeans. Thanks to the support given to him by the Holy Roman Emperors (Frederick Barbarossa, and his son, Henry VI), he was able to elevate the princedom's status to a kingdom. In 1198 the Roubenid prince Leon II managed to secure his crown, becoming the first King of Armenian Cilicia. ^[3] Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1772x943, 333 KB) This is a logo of an organization, item, or event, and is protected by copyright and/or trademark. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1772x943, 333 KB) This is a logo of an organization, item, or event, and is protected by copyright and/or trademark. ... Saladin, properly known as Salah al-Dīn Yusuf ibn Ayyub (Arabic: , Kurdish: , Turkish: ) (c. ... The following list of German Kings and Emperors is one of several Wikipedia lists of incumbents. ... Frederick in a 13th century Chronicle Frederick I (German: Friedrich I. von Hohenstaufen)(1122 – June 10, 1190), also known as Friedrich Barbarossa (Frederick Redbeard) was elected king of Germany on March 4, 1152 and crowned Holy Roman Emperor on June 18, 1155. ... Henry VI (November 1165 – 28 September 1197) was King of Germany from 1190 to 1197, Holy Roman Emperor from 1191 to 1197 and King of Sicily from 1194 to 1197. ... Events End of the reign of Emperor Go-Toba of Japan Emperor Tsuchimikado ascends to the throne of Japan January 8 - Pope Innocent III ascends Papal Throne Frederick II, infant son of German King Henry VI, crowned King of Sicily Births August 24 - Alexander II of Scotland (d. ... Leo II of Armenia, (Armenian: Levon II) known as The Magnificent (1150 – May 5, 1219) was king of the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia, ruling from 1187–1219. ...

The Mamluks defeat the Armenians at the disaster of Mari, 1266: illumination from Le Livre des Merveilles, 14th century

The crown later passed to the rival Hethoumid dynasty through Leon's daughter Zabel and her second marriage to prince Hethoum. At that time, the Mongols reached the Middle East and conquered Greater Armenia, Mesopotamia, Syria, and advanced towards Egypt. The Mongol conquest was disastrous for the Armenians who still inhabited Greater Armenia, but this wasn't the case for those in Cilicia, as the Mongols never attempted to subjugate them. On the contrary, Hethoum established friendly relations with the Il-Khanate, and in doing so, he guaranteed the safety of the Armenians outside Cilicia. Hethoum fought together with the Franks of Bohemond VI (Principality of Antioch) under the Mongols of Hulagu, in the conquest of Muslim Syria and the capture of Aleppo and Damascus in 1259-1260: Queen Isabella of Armenia (died c. ... The name Mongols (Mongolian: Mongol) specifies one or several ethnic groups. ... King Hetoum (right) and Queen Zabel (left) on a silver tram Hethum (or Hetoum) I of Armenia ruled the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia from 1226 to 1270. ... The Ilkhanate (also spelled Il-khanate or Il Khanate) was one of the four divisions within the Mongol Empire. ... Coat of Arms of Bohemond VI of Antioch. ... The Principality of Antioch in the context of the other states of the Near East in 1135 AD. The Principality of Antioch, including parts of modern-day Turkey and Syria, was one of the crusader states created during the First Crusade. ... Hulagu Khan (also known as Hülegü, and Hulegu) (1217–8 February 1265) was a Mongol ruler who conquered much of Southwest Asia. ... Aleppo (or Halab Arabic: , ) is a city in northern Syria, capital of the Aleppo Governorate. ... For other uses, see Damascus (disambiguation). ...

"The king of Armenia and the Prince of Antioch went to the military camp of the Tatars, and they all went off to take Damascus".

—Le Templier de Tyr^[4]

Hethoum even attempted, in vain, to convert the Mongols to Christianity. ^[3]

In 1266, the Mamluk leader Baibars summoned the Armenian ruler Hetoum I to abandon his allegiance to the Mongols, and accept himself as a suzerain, and remit to the Mamluks the territories and fortresses Hetoum has acquired through his alliance with the Mongols. Following these threats, Hetoum I went to the Mongol court of the Il-Khan in Persia to obtain military support. During his absence however, the Mamluks marched on Cilician Armenia, led by Mansur II and the Mamluk commander Qalawun, and defeated the Armenians at the Battle of Mari. A Treaty, signed in May 1268, effectively dismantled Cilician Armenia. In 1269, Hetoum I abdicated in favour of his son Leon II, and became a monk. al-Malik al-Zahir Rukn al-Din Baibars al-Bunduqdari (also spelled Baybars) (Arabic: ) was a Mamluk Sultan of Egypt and Syria. ... Hetoum I (Armenian: Õ€Õ¥Õ©Õ¸Ö‚Õ´ Ô±) ruled the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia from 1226 to 1270. ... The Ilkhanate (also spelled Il-khanate or Il Khanate) was one of the four divisions within the Mongol Empire. ... For other uses of this term see: Persia (disambiguation) The Persian Empire is the name used to refer to a number of historic dynasties that have ruled the country of Persia (Iran). ... Saif ad-Din Qalawun al-Alfi al-Mansur (also Qalaun or Kalavun) (c. ...

Campaigns of 1299-1303

Franco-Armeno-Mongol operations in the Levant, in 1299-1300.

Victory of the Mongols (left) over the Mamluks (right) at the 1299 Battle of Homs.

In the summer of 1299, King Hetoum II of Armenia, again being attacked by the Mamluks, sent a message to the Mongol khan of Persia, Ghâzân to obtain his support. In response, Ghazan marched with his forces towards Syria and sent letters to the Franks of Cyprus (the King of Cyprus, and the heads of the Knights Templar, the Hospitallers and the Teutonic Knights), inviting them to come join him in his attack on the Mamluks in Syria. Image File history File links Emblem-important. ... Combatants Ilkhanate, Georgia and Armenia Mamluks of Egypt Commanders Ghazan Khan Sultan Abdalmalik an-Nasir Strength 60,000 Mongol troops, 40,000 Georgian and Armenian auxialliaries + 12,000 Maronite and Druze bowmen 20,000-30,000 Mamluks Casualties 5,000-14,000 Mongols 200-1,000 Mamluks (Army Routed) // In... Mahmud Ghazan (original Mongol name: Ghazan Khan, b. ... For other uses, see Knights Templar (disambiguation). ... The Knights Hospitaller (the or Knights of Malta or Knights of Rhodes) is a tradition which began as a Benedictine nursing Order founded in the 11th century based in the Holy Land, but soon became a militant Christian Chivalric Order under its own charter, and was charged with the care... For the state, see Monastic state of the Teutonic Knights. ...

The Mongols successfully took the city of Aleppo, where Ghazan was joined by King Hetoum, whose forces included some Templars and Hospitallers from the kingdom of Armenia, who participated in the rest of the offensive.^[5] The Mongols and their allies defeated the Mamluks in the Battle of Wadi al-Khazandar, on December 23 or 24, 1299.^[6] Aleppo (or Halab Arabic: , ) is a city in northern Syria, capital of the Aleppo Governorate. ... Combatants Ilkhanate, Georgia and Armenia Mamluks of Egypt Commanders Ghazan Khan Sultan Abdalmalik an-Nasir Strength 60,000 Mongol troops, 40,000 Georgian and Armenian auxialliaries + 12,000 Maronite and Druze bowmen 20,000-30,000 Mamluks Casualties 5,000-14,000 Mongols 200-1,000 Mamluks (Army Routed) // In...

One group of Mongols then split off from Ghazan's army, and pursued the retreating Mamluk troops as far as Gaza,^[7] pushing them back to Egypt. The bulk of Ghazan's forces then proceeded on to Damascus, which surrendered somewhere between December 30, 1299, and January 6, 1300, though its Citadel resisted.^[8][9] A contemporary Arab writer mentions the exactions in Damas of the Armenian and Georgian Christians together with the Mongols.^[10] Ghazan then retreated most of his forces in February, probably because their horses needed fodder. He promised to return in the winter of 1300-1301 to attack Egypt.^[11] Not to be confused with the Spanish name Garza or the Egyptian town of Giza. ...

In the meantime the remaining forces of the Mongols, about 10,000 horsemen under the Mongol general Mulay, ruled over Syria,^[12] and engaged in raids as far south as Jerusalem and Gaza.^{[13][14][15][16]} But that small force had to retreat when the Mamluks returned in May 1300.

A medieval Armenian source stated that the Armenian KingHetoum II, with a small force, had reached the outskirts of Cairo and then spent some fifteen days in Jerusalem visiting the Holy Places: This is a list of cities that various groups regard as holy. ...

"The king of Armenia, back from his raid against the Sultan, went to Jerusalem. He found that all the enemies had been put to flight or exterminated by the Tatars, who had arrived before him. As he entered into Jerusalem, he gathered the Christians, who had been hiding in caverns out of fright. During the 15 days he spent in Jerusalem, he held Christian ceremonies and solemn festivities in the Holy Sepulchre. He was greatly comforted by his visits to the places of the pilgrims. He was still in Jerusalem when he received a certificate from the Khan, bestowing him Jerusalem and the surrounding country. He then returned to join Ghazan in Damas, and spend the winter with him"

—Recueil des Historiens des Croisades, Historiens Armeniens I, p.660^[17]

Ghazan ordering the King Of Armenia Hetoum II to accompany Kutlushka on the 1303 attack on Damascus.^[18]

In 1303 again, the Mongols appeared in great strength (about 80,000) together with the Armenians, but they were defeated at Homs on March 30, 1303, and at the decisive Battle of Shaqhab, south of Damas, on April 21, 1303.^[19] Also in 1303, Ghazan had again sent a letter to Edward I, in the person of Buscarello de Ghizolfi, reinterating Hulagu's promise that they would give Jerusalem to the Franks in exchange for help against the Mamluks.^[20] But Ghazan died on May 10, 1304, and dreams of a rapid reconquest of the Holy Land were destroyed.

See also: Franco-Mongol alliance

Among the Christian states in the Levant (in yellow) Little Armenia and the northern Frank kingdom of Antioch were the most regular allies of the Mongols. ...

Decline with the Lusignan dynasty

Constantin II of Armenia (Guy de Lusignan) on his throne with the Hospitallers. "Les chevaliers de Saint-Jean-de-Jerusalem rétablissant la religion en Arménie", 1844 painting by Henri Delaborde.

The Hethoumids ruled Cilicia until the murder of Leon V in 1341, when his cousin Guy Lusignan was elected king. The Lusignan dynasty was of French origin, and already had a foothold in the area, the Island of Cyprus. There had always been close relations between the Lusignans of Cyprus and the Armenians. However, when the pro-Latin Lusignans took power, they tried to impose Catholicism and the European way of life. The Armenian leadership largely accepted this, but the peasantry opposed the changes. Eventually, this led way to civil strife. ^[3] The Knights Hospitaller (the or Knights of Malta or Knights of Rhodes) is a tradition which began as a Benedictine nursing Order founded in the 11th century based in the Holy Land, but soon became a militant Christian Chivalric Order under its own charter, and was charged with the care... Henri François Delaborde (1764-1833) was a French general of the Napoleonic Wars. ... King Levon V doing justice by Sarkis Pitzak, 1331 Leo (also Leon or Levon) V of Armenia (1309 – August 28, 1341) was king of the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia, ruling from 1320 to 1341. ... Events The Queens College, a constituent college of the University of Oxford, is founded. ... Constantine IV of Armenia (died 1344) was the first Latin king of the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia, ruling from 1342 to 1344. ...

In the late 14th century, Cilicia was invaded by the Mameluks. The fall of Sis in April, 1375 put an end to the kingdom; its last King, Leon VI, was granted safe passage and died in exile in Paris in 1393 after calling in vain for another Crusade. The title was claimed by his cousin, James I of Cyprus, uniting it with the titles of Cyprus and Jerusalem. ^[3] The last fully independent Armenian entity of the Middle Ages was thus decimated after three centuries of sovereignty and bloom. An Ottoman Mamluk, from 1810 Mamluks (or Mameluks) (the Arabic word usually translates as owned, singular: مملوك plural: مماليك) comprised slave soldiers used by the Muslim Caliphs and the Ottoman Empire, and who on more than one occasion seized power for... Leo (or Leon) VI of Armenia (1342-1393) ruled the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia from 1374 to 1393. ... Events Ottoman Turks occupy Veliko Turnovo in north-central Bulgaria. ... James I of Cyprus (1334–September 9, 1398) was King of Cyprus 1382–1398. ...

In regards to this, F. Nansen writes: “When a people, which has experienced a terrible and unbearable destiny, manages to found a flourishing state in a foreign land, surrounded by enemies in all directions and continues to exist for three centuries, is this then not a sign of a supernatural force within this people?” ^[21]

Dispersion of the Armenian population of Cilicia

Although the Egyptian Mameluks had taken over Cilicia, they were unable to maintain their hold on it. Turkic tribes eventually made their way to the region and established themselves there, leading to the conquest of Cilicia by Tamerlane. As a result, 30000 wealthy Armenians left Cilicia and settled in Cyprus, which continued to be under French rule until 1489. Only the humbler Armenians remained in Cilicia, and by doing so, conserved the Armenian foothold in the region until the Armenian genocide of 1915. Their descendants are now dispersed in the Armenian diaspora, and the Holy See of Cilicia is now based in Antelias, Lebanon. ^[3] For the chess engine Tamerlane, see Tamerlane. ... Events March 14 - The Queen of Cyprus, Catherine Cornaro, sells her kingdom to Venice. ... Armenian Genocide photo. ... Map of the Armenian diaspora. ... Image:Armenian Catholicossate Antelias. ... Antelias is a city in Lebanon, which is a country in the middle east. ...

See also

• Cilicia
• Rubenid dynasty
• List of monarchs of the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia

Cilicia as Roman province, 120 AD In Antiquity, Cilicia (Κιλικία) was the name of a region, now known as Çukurova, and often a political unit, on the southeastern coast of Asia Minor (modern Turkey), north of Cyprus. ... This is a list of the Lords, Kings and Queens of the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia, an Armenian state in the region of Cilicia in what is today southeast Turkey. ...

References

External links

• Barony and Kingdom of Cilicia (Kurkjian's History of Armenia, Chs. 27‑31)