Armenia was still divided between Byzantine and Persia (V-VI cc.). The Byzantine part was ruled over by empire administration, while the Persian part was governed by princes (nakharars) who submitted to the king, appointed by Persia. Under such conditions, Armenians preserved their culture due to courage and stamina. All this was achieved owing to the creation of Armenian letters by Mesrop Mashtots (404-405). The feudal system caused the division of Armenia into small principalities; the strongest one among them were Mamikonian, Bagratuni and Artsruni dynasties. In V-VI cc., a number of revolts broke out in Eastern Armenia. Armenian people protested against attempts to assimilate him and anti-Christian proclamations. One of these revolts broke out on May 26, 451 A.D. on Avarair plain headed by Vardan Mamikonian. Later, after Mamikonian and other patriotic nakharars and soldiers, whose motto was "Death is unrealized immortality," had died on the battle field, they were worshipped as saints. Avarair battle was lost, but Persians, having met the resistance, had to stop infringing on the religion of Armenian people. Since the 1-st half of the VI c., the territory of Byzantine Armenia had been enlarged and by the beginning of the VII c., the eastern borders reached Lake Van. Persia was losing its former power and in 30-s of the VII c., was destroyed by Arabs. Islam began spreading over the world. Arabs first invaded Armenia in 640. They caused damage and misfortune about in 642-643 and 650. In 652 a skillful military leader and diplomat Theodoros Rshtuni concluded a treaty with Arab Caliphate, according to which Armenia became its province and was ruled over by a governor-general (vostikan) at the end of VII c. and beginning of VIII c. Armenians rose against unjust Arab Caliphate. Bagratuni principality was particularly active in the struggle and, at last, it won the title "The Prince of Princes" (ishkhan-in-ishkhan) in 859. Ashot Bagratuni made his best to restore peace in his motherland. He mobilized the army, strengthened his power. Under such conditions, Arab Caliphate couldn't refuse him the title of King. In 855 Ashot was crowned and got a crown and gifts from Byzantine Emperor Basil I. Soon Artsruni and Syunik principalities Got independence. During the reign of Ashot I Armenia was flourishing. New churches, hospitals, monasteries were built. In 961 the new capital of Armenia became the town of Ani, built it the years of reign of Ashot III. (Unfortunately, nowadays tourists can see only the ruins of Ani). Armenia became especially powerful in 989-1020, when the king of the country was Gagik I. New schools, and monasteries were built, the Cathedral of Ani crowned the town. In XI c., Armenian Kingdom was disintegrating because of intestine wars among principalities. This collapse, on the other hand, was due to a new invasion - the invasion of Seljuk -Turks. At the end of the XI c. Armenia was devastated again. Some princes yielded their lands to Byzantine and thus exchanged them for new areas by the Mediterranean Sea in the Cilician Tavros. Cilicia became the cradle of the new Armenia kingdom.