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The Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia, also known as Cilician Armenia or Lesser Armenia, was an Armenian state established in the High Middle Ages. It emerged as a refuge for Armenians fleeing the Seljuk invasion of the Armenian Highlands. The kingdom was centered in Cilicia, a region located northwest of the Gulf of Alexandretta, outside the traditional Armenian heartlands.
The origins of Cilician Armenia trace back to the Rubinyan dynasty, which founded the principality around 1080. The Rubinyans were possibly a branch of the influential Bagratuni family that had ruled Armenia. Initially, the capital was Tarsus, which was later moved to Sis. The kingdom of Cilicia became a powerful ally of the European Crusaders and saw itself as a protector of Christianity in the East. During a time when Armenia was under foreign occupation, Cilicia played a vital role in preserving Armenian culture and national identity.
In 1198, Levon the Magnificent of the Rubinyan dynasty was crowned, and Cilicia officially became a kingdom. In 1226, the throne passed to the Hethumyan dynasty through Levon’s daughter, Isabella, and her second husband, Hethum I. The Hethumids sought to establish an Armenian-Mongol alliance to resist common Muslim enemies, particularly the Mamluks.
However, in the 14th century, the Crusader states and the Mongol Ilkhanate collapsed, leaving Cilician Armenia isolated. The kingdom faced constant attacks, particularly from the Mamluks in Egypt, and after internal strife, the Lusinyan dynasty was unable to fend off the Mamluk forces. In 1375, Cilician Armenia finally fell to the Mamluks.
Cilician Armenia experienced a unique blend of Armenian and Western influences, especially through interactions with the European Crusaders. The nobility adopted aspects of Western European culture, including chivalry, French titles, and fashion. The organization of society also shifted toward a more feudal system, resembling the structure of medieval Western Europe. The port of Ayas became an important center for East-West trade, contributing to the kingdom’s economic prosperity.
Cilician Armenia’s rich history and legacy remain an essential part of Armenian culture, showcasing the resilience of the Armenian people in the face of adversity.
