Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia: Encyclopedia II - Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia - The First Crusade and the Roupenid principality

Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia - The First Crusade and the Roupenid principality

With the First Crusade, the Armenians in Cilicia gained powerful allies among the Frankish crusaders. With their help they helped securing Cilicia from the Turks both by direct military actions in Cilicia, and by establishing Crusader states in Antioch and Edessa. The Armenians and crusaders were partly allied, partly rivals for two centuries to come.

Eventally, there emerged some sort of centralized government in the area with the rise of the Roupenid princes. During the 12th century they were the closest thing to a ruling dynasty, and wrestled with the Byzantines for the power over the region. Prince Leon I was defeated by the Emperor John II in 1137, and was imprisoned with several other family members. He died in prison three years later. Leon's son and successor, Thoros II, was also imprisoned, but escaped in 1141. He returned to lead the struggle with the Byzantines. Initially he was successful, but eventually, in 1158, he paid homage to the Emperor Manuel I.

The Roupenid princes continued to rule Cilicia.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "The First Crusade and the Roupenid principality", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki