# Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia

> Armenian Middle Ages state (1080–1375)

**Wikidata**: [Q335088](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q335088)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armenian_Kingdom_of_Cilicia)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/armenian-kingdom-of-cilicia

## Summary
The Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia was a medieval Armenian state that existed from 1080 to 1375, located in what is now southern Turkey. It was a key cultural and political entity in the Armenian Middle Ages, known for its resilience and distinct identity despite frequent conflicts with neighboring powers.

## Key Facts
- **Existed from 1080 to 1375**, established as an independent Armenian kingdom after the Seljuk conquest of the Bagratid Armenia.
- **Capital**: Sis (modern-day Şanlıurfa, Turkey).
- **Founded by the House of Lusignan**, a French noble family, after the death of Thoros I, Prince of Armenia.
- **Governed by the Hethumid dynasty**, which ruled from 1187 until the kingdom's dissolution.
- **Official languages**: Armenian, Greek, and Latin.
- **Related to the Rubenids**, another prominent Armenian noble family.
- **Battle of Mari (1266)**: A significant conflict involving Cilician Armenia.
- **Notable figures**: Toros Roslin (artist), Isabella I (queen), and Sibylla of Lusignan (queen).
- **Cultural achievements**: The Zeytun Gospels (1256), an illuminated manuscript by Toros Roslin.
- **Dissolved in 1375** after being conquered by the Mamluk Sultanate of Egypt.

## FAQs
**What was the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia?**
The Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia was a medieval state that existed from 1080 to 1375, located in what is now southern Turkey. It was a distinct Armenian kingdom known for its cultural and political resilience.

**Who ruled the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia?**
The kingdom was initially ruled by the House of Lusignan before being taken over by the Hethumid dynasty in 1187. Key figures include Thoros I, Isabella I, and Sibylla of Lusignan.

**What was the capital of Cilician Armenia?**
The capital was Sis, which is now part of modern-day Şanlıurfa, Turkey.

**What languages were spoken in Cilician Armenia?**
The official languages were Armenian, Greek, and Latin.

**What was the Zeytun Gospels?**
The Zeytun Gospels are a 1256 illuminated manuscript created by the Armenian artist Toros Roslin.

**When did the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia dissolve?**
The kingdom dissolved in 1375 after being conquered by the Mamluk Sultanate of Egypt.

## Why It Matters
The Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia was a vital cultural and political entity in the medieval Armenian world. Despite frequent conflicts with neighboring powers, it maintained a distinct identity and contributed significantly to Armenian literature, art, and religious manuscripts. Its dissolution in 1375 marked the end of an era for the Armenian Middle Ages, leaving a lasting legacy in the region.

## Notable For
- **Resilience**: Survived multiple invasions and conflicts while maintaining independence.
- **Cultural Achievements**: Produced notable works like the Zeytun Gospels and supported the arts.
- **Political Influence**: Played a key role in the broader medieval Armenian and Byzantine contexts.
- **Historical Significance**: A pivotal period in Armenian history, shaping the identity of the Armenian people.

## Body
### History
The Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia was established in 1080 after the Seljuk conquest of the Bagratid Armenia. It was initially ruled by the House of Lusignan, a French noble family, before being taken over by the Hethumid dynasty in 1187. The kingdom faced numerous conflicts, including the Battle of Mari in 1266, which weakened its position. By 1375, it was conquered by the Mamluk Sultanate of Egypt, marking its dissolution.

### Governance and Society
The kingdom was governed by the Hethumid dynasty, which ruled until its end. Key figures include Thoros I, Isabella I, and Sibylla of Lusignan. The official languages were Armenian, Greek, and Latin, reflecting the multicultural nature of the kingdom. The Rubenids, another prominent Armenian noble family, were also closely associated with the kingdom.

### Culture and Art
Cilician Armenia was known for its cultural achievements, including the Zeytun Gospels, an illuminated manuscript created by Toros Roslin in 1256. The kingdom also supported other artists, such as Momik, who contributed to the region's artistic legacy. The Drazark monastery, founded in 901, was another significant cultural institution.

### Notable Figures
- **Thoros I**: A ruler of Cilician Armenia who played a key role in its establishment.
- **Isabella I**: Queen regnant of Cilician Armenia, known for her political acumen.
- **Toros Roslin**: Armenian artist who created the Zeytun Gospels.
- **Sibylla of Lusignan**: Queen of Armenia, associated with the House of Lusignan.
- **Oshin of Lampron**: Armenian nobleman who held significant political influence.

### Geographic and Political Context
The kingdom was located in what is now southern Turkey, with its capital at Sis. It was bordered by the Byzantine Empire, the Seljuk Sultanate, and later the Mamluk Sultanate. The Süleymanlı mahalle in Onikişubat, Kahramanmaraş, is also associated with the kingdom's history.

### Legacy
The Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia left a lasting legacy in the region, shaping the cultural and political identity of the Armenian people. Its dissolution in 1375 marked the end of an era, but its contributions to literature, art, and religious manuscripts continue to be studied and admired.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. [Source](https://github.com/JohnMarkOckerbloom/ftl/blob/master/data/wikimap)
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. KBpedia