Group

Armenia, Baronry of Little, or Lesser

Substate Defunct 1080 CE – 1186 CE Capital Tarsus Icel Turkey

The Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia, also known as the Cilician Armenia, Kingdom of Cilician Armenia or New Armenia, is an independent principality formed during the High Middle Ages by Armenian refugees fleeing the Seljuk invasion of Armenia.

Located outside of the Armenian Highland and distinct from the Armenian Kingdom of Antiquity, it is centered in the Cilicia region northwest of the Gulf of Alexandretta, in what is today southern Turkey.The kingdom has its origins in the principality founded c. 1080 by the Rubenid dynasty, an alleged offshoot of the larger Bagratid family, which at various times had held the thrones of Armenia and Georgia.

Their capital is originally at Tarsus, and later becomes Sis.

Cilicia is a strong ally of the European Crusaders, and sees itself as a bastion of Christendom in the East.

It also serves as a focus for Armenian nationalism and culture, since Armenia proper is under foreign occupation at the time.

Cilicia's significance in Armenian history and statehood is also attested by the transfer of the seat of the Catholicos of the Armenian Apostolic Church, spiritual leader of the Armenian people, to the region.

Member Cities

Moran, J. (n.d.). Armenia, Baronry of Little, or Lesser. History Atlas. Retrieved 22 September 2026, from https://www.historyatlas.com/groups/armenia-baronry-of-little-or-lesser/

Menu

Related events