The Kingdom of Cilicia: Armenia's Crusader State

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the fascinating history of the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia, a Crusader-era state that emerged from the ashes of the Byzantine Empire. They delve into the rise of the Rubenid dynasty, beginning with Prince Ruben I's revolt in 1080, and trace the kingdom's development under figures like Levon I and Levon II. The conversation covers Cilicia's unique blend of Armenian, Frankish, and Byzantine cultures, its role as a key ally to the Crusaders, and its sophisticated feudal system. They discuss the kingdom's architectural legacy, including the castle of Sis and the port of Ayas, which became a hub of East-West trade. The episode also examines the internal conflicts among the nakharar families, the influence of the Latin Church, and the eventual decline under Mamluk pressure. A visit to the Cilician capital of Sis is described, with its fortified palace and cathedral. The episode ends with a reflection on how Cilician Armenia preserved Armenian identity during the turbulent centuries of Mongol and Mamluk rule. #ArmenianHistory #CilicianArmenia #RubenidDynasty #CrusaderStates #LevonII #Sis #Ayas #MedievalArmenia #Nakharar #Crusades #Feudalism #History #FexingoHistory #Caucasus #ArmenianKingdom #LevonI #MamlukSultanate #TradeRoutes Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo