Byzantine resistance made it difficult to from a new state. The Cilician Kingdom was founded in 1080 by the Rubenian dynasty. This was during the height of the first crusade (1096-1099). The crusaders passed through Cilicia and various Armenian areas. Considering they were Christians, the Armenians helped and joined their effort. After the crusades, Cilician kings tried to form alliances with other European emperors, some of them by marriage. 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. The capital of Cilicia became known as Sis, situated on the arm of the Piram River. Sis was a magnificent town with beautiful churches and a royal palace surrounded by gardens. Armenia also struggled for independence in the 12th century. By 1122 Christian Georgia became so strong the kingdom won the city of Tiflis from the Moslems. In 1124 Georgian King David IV (Builder) won the city of Ani as well. During the reign of Queen Tamara, Northern Armenia was ruled over by the Zakarian dynasty. Ani was the center of Armenian culture in the North. Ani flourished due to the foundation of new churches and a prime location. Its population was more than 100,000 strong, but the joy of being independent didn't last long. Mongol invaders devastated the country in the 14th century. A new military threat led by the Tamerlan also swept over Armenia. Armenians weren't strong enough to thwart the attack of Mongols and the Tamerlan. It was one of the worst periods in the history of Armenia. The city was eventually left in ruins in the year 1375.