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Introduction King Levon I had no legitimate male heir, and it is precisely at this point that the real struggle for the throne of the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia and for regional supremacy begins. The Struggle for Regional Supremacy As early as 1193, Saladin, instigated by Bohemond III “the Stammerer,” Prince of Antioch, marched toward Cilicia with a large army, but died suddenly, bringing his advance to an abrupt end. After this, the Prince of Antioch attempted to have Lev

Introduction The beginning of Rubinian rule in Cilicia is generally dated to around 1080. One year earlier, the last Bagratid king of Ani, Gagik II—who had been relocated to Caesarea in 1045—was murdered. Following the king’s death, the nobles who had gathered around him dispersed in different directions, some of whom moved to Cilicia. One of King Gagik II’s close associates was Roupen (Ruben). The early Rubinians succeeded, by force of arms, in taking control of several fo