Armenia, Bagratid

Under the reign of Ashot III, Ani becomes the kingdom's capital and grows into a thriving economic and cultural center.

The first half of the eleventh century sees the decline and eventual collapse of the kingdom.

With emperor Basil II's string of victories in annexing parts of southwestern Armenia, King Hovhannes-Smbat feels forced to cede his lands and in 1022 promises to "will" his kingdom to the Byzantines following his death.

However, after Hovhannes-Smbat's death in 1041, his successor, Gagik II, refuses to hand over Ani and continues resistance until 1045, when his kingdom, plagued with internal and external threats, is finally taken by Byzantine forces

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