Mushegh I Bagratuni
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| Mushegh I Bagratuni | |
|---|---|
| King of Kars (Vanand) | |
| King of Vanand | |
| Reign | 963 – 984 |
| Predecessor | Kingdom established |
| Successor | Abas Bagratuni |
| Born | Unknown |
| Died | 984 Kars |
| Spouse | Daughter of Sahak Sevada |
| Issue | Abas Bagratuni |
| Dynasty | Bagratuni |
| Father | Abas I Bagratuni |
| Mother | Unknown Bagratid princess |
| Religion | Armenian Apostolic |
Mushegh I Bagratuni (Armenian: Մուշեղ Ա Բագրատունի; died 984, Kars) — founder and king of the Kingdom of Kars (Vanand) from 963 to 984, son of the Armenian king Abas I Bagratuni, brother of Ashot III the Merciful.[1] During his reign, the first vassal kingdom of the main Bagratid dynastic branch was formed, which survived until 1065․[1][2]
Origins and family
Mushegh I descended from the royal Bagratid dynasty — he was the son of the Armenian king Abas I Bagratuni (928–953) and the younger brother of Ashot III the Merciful (953–977). His mother was a Bagratid princess of unknown name.[3]
Mushegh was married to the daughter of Sahak Sevada, prince of Gardman, who was the heiress to the Kingdom of Parisos.[1] This marriage later gave Mushegh grounds to claim the throne of Parisos.[4]
Mushegh had one son — Abas Bagratuni (died 1029), who inherited the throne of Kars after his father's death (984–1029).[5]
Historical context
In the mid-10th century, the Bagratid Kingdom reached its peak of power.[2] During the reign of Ashot III the Merciful (953–977), the Armenian state experienced economic and cultural prosperity.[2] In 961, Ashot III decided to move the capital of Armenia from Kars to Ani, which became the new political, cultural, and military center of the Bagratid Kingdom.[6]
This step had strategic significance, since Ani was located in a more central and defensible position, and was also closer to the important economic routes of the Ararat plain. However, the loss of Kars's status as the capital created new challenges in the region.[3]
Foundation of the Kingdom of Kars (963)
In 961, Ashot III the Merciful, after moving the capital to Ani, left his brother Mushegh as ruler in Kars.[7] However, Mushegh, relying on the support of local feudal forces in the Vanand canton, proclaimed himself king in 963.[8][9]
Ashot III the Merciful recognized Mushegh's royal title, thereby preventing a fratricidal war.[9] Ashot III, aware of the tendencies toward decentralization in the region and seeking to preserve the unity of the Bagratid state, recognized Mushegh's royal title while maintaining the supreme authority and seniority of the Ani Bagratids.[10] Thus, the Kingdom of Kars was established as a vassal state subordinate to the Ani Bagratid Kingdom.[8][11]
Modern historiography views Mushegh's step not as a rebellion, but as a natural result of the administrative-political decentralization of the Bagratid state, when the central authority ceded certain autonomy to local rulers in order to preserve the unity of the state.[11]
There is also an opinion in historiography that it was not Mushegh who separated from the central kingdom, but rather the shahanshah himself appointed him king on the condition that he recognize his supremacy and not have hereditary rights.[12] Interestingly, during Ashot III's reign, Mushegh did not distinguish himself with any significant activity.[12]
Relations with the Ani Bagratids
After the death of Ashot III the Merciful (977), Mushegh I laid claim to the Bagratid shahanshah (king of kings) throne and attempted to seize the throne, but failed and abandoned his ambitious aspirations. The throne of Ani was ascended by the deceased king's son — Smbat II (977–989).[8]
A dispute arose between the latter and Mushegh I over the important Aghdzor pass and the Shatik border fortress. This conflict, however, was resolved peacefully through the mediation of David III Kuropalates of Tao.[2][13] David III Kuropalates, as an influential political figure in the region, was able to persuade both sides to compromise, preventing the outbreak of a fratricidal war.[2]
However, Mushegh I did not abandon his claims. Against Smbat II, Mushegh provoked a war through Abu-l-Hayja, the Salarid emir of Dvin, who invaded the outskirts of Ani but was defeated.[8] After this failed attempt, Mushegh finally reconciled with the Ani throne and concentrated on strengthening his own kingdom.[7]
Despite periodic tensions, dynastic and political ties were maintained between Ani and Kars, which testifies to the awareness of the unity of the Bagratid house.[5]
Foreign policy
Mushegh I pursued an active and multifaceted foreign policy, the main goal of which was to ensure the security of the Kingdom of Kars, preserve territorial integrity, and strengthen his position in the region. To this end, he formed alliances with neighboring powerful states, maintained cautious relations with Arab emirates, and through dynastic marriage laid claim to neighboring thrones.[2]
Relations with David III Kuropalates of Tao
One of the key directions of Mushegh's foreign policy was the close military-political alliance with David III Kuropalates of Tao. This alliance had strategic significance, as it allowed securing the western borders of the Kingdom of Kars from attacks by neighboring Arab emirates.[14]
David III Kuropalates, the powerful prince of Tao, was interested in maintaining stability on the western borders of Armenia.[15] His mediating role became especially evident after 977, when a dispute arose between Mushegh I and the new Ani king Smbat II over the Aghdzor pass and the Shatik border fortress. The conflict threatened to escalate into open war, but was resolved peacefully through the mediation of David III Kuropalates.[2] According to some sources, Mushegh, as compensation for the assistance provided by David III Kuropalates, transferred some regions of Tao to the latter.[8]
Relations with Arab emirates
Mushegh maintained cautious relations with neighboring Arab emirates. He tried to avoid direct confrontations, preferring diplomatic methods, but when necessary, he also resorted to the use of armed force.[2]
Claims to the throne of Parisos
In addition to military and diplomatic steps, Mushegh also attempted to expand his influence through dynastic marriages. He married the daughter of Sahak Sevada, prince of Gardman, who was the heiress to the Kingdom of Parisos.[1] Through this marriage, Mushegh also laid claim to the throne of Parisos.[16] The Kingdom of Parisos, located on the eastern borders of Armenia, had strategic importance, and control over it would have significantly strengthened Mushegh's position. However, these claims were not realized during Mushegh's lifetime.[15]
Domestic policy
Mushegh I made significant efforts to strengthen his kingdom internally.[16]
Military and defensive policy
Mushegh fortified the city-fortress of Kars and built new defensive fortifications in Vanand.[2] These measures were aimed at ensuring the security of the kingdom from both external and internal threats.[15]․
Economic policy
Mushegh pursued a policy of economic strengthening of the country. Vanand, being a strategically important canton, was rich in agricultural resources and located at the intersection of important trade routes.[17]
Cultural heritage
During Mushegh I's reign, urban and church construction continued in Kars.[2] The kingdom he founded later became one of the important centers of Armenian culture and manuscript production.[18]
Death and legacy
Mushegh I died in 984 in Kars.[9] After his death, the Kars throne was inherited by his son — Abas Bagratuni (984–1029).[8]
The Kingdom of Kars (Vanand), founded by Mushegh I as a vassal kingdom of the Bagratids, survived for about a century — from 963 to 1065.[5] It played an important role in the history of Armenia, preserving Armenian statehood on the western borders and ensuring cultural continuity.[5]
The kingdom was finally annexed to the Byzantine Empire in 1065.[2][5]
Family
- Father — Abas I Bagratuni (928–953), King of Armenia.[6]
- Brother — Ashot III the Merciful (953–977), King of Armenia.[2]
- Wife — daughter of Sahak Sevada, prince of Gardman, heiress to the Kingdom of Parisos.[2]
- Son — Abas Bagratuni (died 1029), King of Kars.[2]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 History of the Armenian People (Armenian SSR Academy of Sciences Publishing House, in 8 volumes), Vol. III, Yerevan, 1976, pp. 215–220.
- ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 Yeghiazaryan, Arman. Ashot III the Merciful and the Armenian Kingdom, Yerevan, 2010.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Ter-Ghewondyan, A. E., Armenia and the Arab Caliphate, Yerevan, Armenian SSR Academy of Sciences Publishing House, 1977, pp. 180–185.
- ↑ Tovma Artsruni and Anonymous, History of the House of Artsruni, Yerevan, 1978, pp. 280–282.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 Stepanos Taronetsi Asoghik, Universal History, "Matenagirk Hayots", Vol. XV, Yerevan, 2011, ch. 25.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Hovhannes Draskhanakerttsi, History of Armenia, Tiflis, 1912, ch. 58.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Arakel Davrizhetsi, Book of Histories, Yerevan, 1990, pp. 45–48.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 Movses Kaghankatvatsi, History of the Country of Aghvank, Yerevan, 1984, pp. 210–215.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 Vardan Areveltsi, Universal History / Collection of Histories, Venice, 1862, pp. 95–97.
- ↑ Adonts, N., Armenia in the Age of Justinian, Yerevan, 1971, pp. 320–325.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 Ter-Ghewondyan, A. E., The Arab Emirates in Bagratid Armenia, Yerevan, 1965, pp. 150–155.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 Matevosyan, R., The Armenian Kingdom of the Bagratids, Yerevan, 2008, pp. 112–115.
- ↑ Garsoïan, Nina. The Armenian Church and the Byzantine Empire (451–610), in: The Armenian People from Ancient to Modern Times, Vol. I, ed. R. G. Hovannisian, New York: St. Martin's Press, 1997, pp. 165–170.
- ↑ History of the Armenian People (Armenian SSR Academy of Sciences Publishing House, in 8 volumes), Vol. III, Yerevan, 1976, pp. 222–225.
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 Melikset-Bek, L., Georgian Sources on Armenia and Armenians, Vol. I, Yerevan, 1955, pp. 80–85.
- ↑ 16.0 16.1 Bartikyan, R., Armenian Sources on the Kingdom of Parisos, Yerevan, 1980, pp. 45–48.
- ↑ Manandyan, Y., On Trade and Cities of Armenia, Yerevan, 1954, pp. 130–135.
- ↑ Armenian Soviet Encyclopedia, Vol. 8, Yerevan, 1982, pp. 85–86.
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