The Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia (sometimes referred to as Armenia Minor or Lesser Armenia) was a state formed in the Middle Ages by Armenian refugees fleeing the Seljuk invasion of Armenia. It was located in what is today southeastern Turkey, in the region of Cilicia. The country was independent from 1080 to 1375.
The Kingdom of Cilicia was founded by the Rubenid dynasty , an offshoot of the larger Bagratid family that at various times held the thrones of Armenia and Georgia. Their capital was Sis. Cilicia was a strong ally of the European Crusaders, and saw itself as a bastion of Christendom in the East. It also served as a focus for Armenian nationalism and culture, since Armenia was under foreign occupation at the time.
In the late 1300s, Cilicia was invaded by the Mameluks. The fall of Sis in April 1375 put an end to the kingdom; its last King, Leon VI, was granted safe passage and died in exile in Paris in 1393.
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See also: Monarchs of the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia
Last updated: 08-30-2005 12:08:49
