Cilician Kingdom

The Cilician Kingdom was founded in 1080 by the Rubenian dynasty. This was during the height of the first crusade (1096-1099). During 300 years of its existence, much of it prosperous, Cilicia was bequeathed with precious samples of science, art, and literature. The Cilicia region flourished specifically during the reign of King Levon II, who was crowned in 1198.

Christianity in Armenia

Throughout their history, the Armenian's have struggled to keep their Christian faith. Whether they existed under Persian, Turkey, or Russian rule, Armenians have always been forced to except foreign values before their own.

Armenia Divided Between Rome and Persia

The introduction of Armenia into a new era coincided with the fall of the Artashesian Dynasty. They had ruled over the country for about two centuries. For several centuries, Armenia had gradually lost independence, and as a result the region became divided up between the Roman Empire and the Persian Kingdom.

Armenian Struggle Against Persia and Turkey

In 1804, a new war broke out between Russia and Persia, which lasted for 10 years. The Armenian people supported the Russian troops and opposed the Persians. In October 1812, General Kotliarovski brought victory to Russia when he attacked Persian troops on the bank the Arax River.

Byzantine and Persian Parts of Armenia

Arab Conquest and the Bagratuni Dynasty

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.

Armenia under Russian Rule

Independent Armenia

At the beginning of the XX c., Armenia was divided into two parts. Copper production was the main branch of industry in East Armenia. Wine and cognac production was developing (80% of its production was exported to Russia and international markets). Armenia was still in a provincial position and couldn't develop as a free, independent state.

The Foundation of an Armenian State

The Armenian nation is one of the oldest in existence. The names of the state "Arminiya" and its people "Armina" are first mentioned in the cuneiforms of Persian King Darius I (522-486). Armines were considered an Indo-European nation that migrated to its now motherland from Europe via Asia Minor. In B.C. times the Indo-European ancestors of modern Armenians lived in Asia Minor side by side with the Hittite people for 600 years.

Turkish-Persian Conquest and Armenian-Russian Relations

Independence in Armenia remained unaccomplished for various reasons including interference from Turk Ottomans and Persian conquerors, which consistently threatened Armenian borders. By the end of the 14th century the Ottomans conquered Asia Minor and the Balcanian peninsula. In 1453 they invaded Constantinople and overthrew the Byzantine Empire.



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