Characters

Alexis – father of Euphemia, former governor of Minor Armenia.

Andronicus – (Andronikos I Komnenos) (c. 1118 – 1185). Byzantine courtier (an Armenophobe), cousin of the Emperor Manuel I, viceroy, Byzantine emperor from 1183 to 1185, was overthrown and lynched in a popular uprising. – Source

Andronicus Evporp – (Andronicus Euphorbenus) a Byzantine commander.
“The Byzantine governor of Tarsus, Andronicus Euphorbenus, invited him to a banquet. Stephen’s corpse was found the next day and it was believed Andronicus murdered him.” – Source

Abulgharib Piri – European prince who asked Toros the First for refuge. The Armenian prince had granted him the Amut fortress.

Avag – a soldier in the army of Smbat Hetumian.

Babken – (Varosents Babken) servant and armbearer of Toros, son of Levon.

Bagrat – prince of Arevenduni.

Bakur – Prince Smbat Hetumian’s son.

Baldwin III – (1130 – 1163) was King of Jerusalem from 1143 to 1163. – Source

Barsegh – Archimandrite and abbot of the Armenian monastery in Cyprus.

Catholicos Grigor – (also: Grigor III Pahlavuni; Gregory III of Cilicia). (1093 -1166), Elder brother of Nerses Shnorhali. Catholicos from 1113 to 1166. – Source

Constantine Calaman – (Constantine Kalamanos or Konstantinos Kalamanos) (1137/1145-after 1173), a Byzantine duke. In 1163, the Byzantine Emperor Manuel I Komnenos appointed Constantine to the office of governor of Armenian Cilicia. – Source

Euphemia – wife of Toros son of Levon.

Gohar  the daughter of Toros and Euphemia.

Grigor – Babken’s eldest son.

Hetum – (1151 – 1218), (Hethum III of Lampronthe) son of prince Oshin of Lambron. – Source

“O’shin, lord of Lambron divided the cost of his ransom, 40,000 dahekans, into two parts: he gave 20,000 dahekans [in cash], and gave his son, Het’um, as a hostage in place of the other 20,000 dahekans. And thus did he free himself and went to his own home. So Het’um came to T’oros as a hostage and was greatly liked by him, for he was attractive, aware, and composed. T’oros sent to O’shin and proposed to establish marriage relations: T’oros would give his daughter to Het’um and the 20,000 dahekans would be her dowry. O’shin agreed to this and had Het’um baptized—for up till then he had not been baptized—made him a knight, and married him to [T’oros’] daughter, all on the same day.” – Source

John II Komnenos – (Comnenus), (1087 – 1143) was Byzantine Emperor ruled from 1118 to 1143. – Source

Kostandin – the prince of Karkra.

Kostandin of Bardzrberd – superintendent of the Vahka fortress, comrade in arms of Toros son of Levon.

Levon – father of Toros – Levon I (Leo) prince of Cilician Armenia (son of Constantine I, lord of Armenian Cilicia), (died in Constantinople in 1140[2]) ruled between 11291137, successor of Toros I. – Source

“In the year 578 A.E. [1129] T’oros, son of Kostandin, died and his brother Lewon held his principality.
In the year 581 A.E. [1132] Lewon, son of Kostandin, took the Cilician cities of Mamistra, Adana, and Tarsus. The Frankish people attacked him. By their wicked behavior they devoted themselves to wrecking the country.”

Smbat Sparapet’s Chronicle: – Source

 Levon – (1150 – 1219), (Levon II, later – King Levon I), son of Stepan and Margaret. Lord of Cilicia from 1187 to 1198[/1199; the first king of Armenian Cilicia (sometimes as Levon I the Magnificent) from 1198/1199 to 1219. – Source

[Step’ane’] had two sons, Ruben and Lewon.
Smbat Sparapet’s Chronicle: – Source

Mahsud – sultan of Iconium and Mesopotamia.

Manuel I Komnenos – (1118 – 1180 (a Byzantine Emperor (ruled between 1143 – 1180) son of John II Komnenos (Byzantine Emperor). – Source

Manuel Pranos – a Byzantine commander.

Margaret – Smbat Hetumian’s daughter.

Martiros – Margaret’s aide.

Matteos Urhayetsi – (Matthew of Edessa) Armenian historian from the city of Edessa (born in the second half of the 11th century – 1144). – Source

Meruzhan – Meruzhan Artsruni, a Nakharar (Armenian feudal lord) from the Artzruni family (ruled in 355-369 CE). A traitor. When the Persian army invaded Armenia in 360s, Meruzhan defected to Persia. – Source

Metropolitan Atanas – Assyrian bishop and abbot supporting Toros son of Levon.

Mleh – (before 1120 – 1175), brother of Toros son of Levon. The eighth lord of Armenian Cilicia (reigned from 1170 to 1175.) Converted to Islam. – Source

In that period Lewon’s son, the conquering T’oros, displayed his valor and held [secure] those parts of the Taurus Mountains over which he ruled. Now his brother, Mleh, was a malicious and treacherous man, and planned to kill his brother, T’oros. Getting together some others of the same tendency, one day while they had gone out to hunt [g186] deer, Mleh wanted to slay his brother there [at a place] between Mamistra and Adana. But T’oros had been forewarned. He furiously seized Mleh and interrogated him before the troops and the princes as to what he was hoping to accomplish. They reproached Mleh in their presence and he was shamed. Then [Mleh] gave [to T’oros] much of the inventory of his authority, horses, mules, weapons, and treasures. And they removed him from his district. Thus he received nothing in exchange for his wickedness. So [Mleh] arose and went to Nur-ad-Din, lord of Aleppo, and entered into his service…
Now after five years of Mleh’s rule, in the year 624 A.E. [1175], his princes hatched an impious plot. They [g191] united together and killed him in the city of Sis because of his disruptive ways. 
– Source

Nerses Shnorhali – (also: Nerses IV the Gracious; Nerses of Kla; Saint Nerses the Graceful), (1102 – 1173). Catholicos of Armenia from 1166 to 1173. Younger brother of Catholicos Gregory III of Cilicia (term: 1113 – 1166). – Source

Nureddin – (Nūr ad-Dīn Abū al-Qāsim Maḥmūd ibn ʿImād ad-Dīn Zengī, often shortened to Nur ad-Din) (1118 – 1174) emir of Aleppo. – Source

Oshin – (Oshin II of Lampron) (1125 – 1170) Armenian prince of Lambron, an ally of Byzantine. – Source

“Among those captured were the lord of Lambron [g170], O’shin, the lord of Bardzrberd, Vasil, and the lord of Pr’akan, Tigran [all of whom were] on the side of the Byzantine emperor. [T’oros’] troops seized and despoiled the weak Byzantine forces and then let them go. Then did T’oros rule over Mamistra and all the other districts which he held without a care. O’shin, lord of Lambron divided the cost of his ransom, 40,000 dahekans, into two parts: he gave 20,000 dahekans [in cash], and gave his son, Het’um, as a hostage in place of the other 20,000 dahekans. And thus did he free himself and went to his own home. So Het’um came to T’oros as a hostage and was greatly liked by him, for he was attractive, aware, and composed. T’oros sent to O’shin and proposed to establish marriage relations: T’oros would give his daughter to Het’um and the 20,000 dahekans would be her dowry. O’shin agreed to this and had Het’um baptized—for up till then he had not been baptized—made him a knight, and married him to [T’oros’] daughter, all on the same day. And they rejoiced exceedingly.”
Smbat Sparapet’s Chronicle: – Source

Reinald – (Raynald of Châtillon, also known as Reynald or Reginald of Châtillon) (c. 1125 – 1187) the ruler of Antioch from 1153 to 1160 or 1161. – Source

Prince Smbat – (Hetumian) ruler of Anarzaba city and fortress, the former owner of Paperon, Byzantine henchman, claiming to be of the ancient Mamikonyan family.
“Անդրոնիկոս Կոմնենոսի զորքերին միացել էին նաև բյուզանդամետ մի շարք հայ իշխաններ՝ Լամբրոնի տեր Օշին ՀեթումյանըՊապեռոնի տեր Սմբատ Հեթումյանր – Source

Ruben – (Roupen) (after 1120 – Constantinople, 1141) brother of Toros son of Levon. Was blinded and then assassinated while in castody in Constantinople. – Source

“Thoros (together with his father, Leo I and his brother, Roupen) was taken captive and imprisoned in Constantinople in 1137.” – Source

Dionys – guardian of Euphemia.

Ruben I – (1025/1035 – 1095) the first lord of Armenian Cilicia, founder Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia, founder of the Rubenids’ dynasty (ruled 1080 – 1095). – Source

“T’at’ul, the prince of princes, had given Marash to Joscelin and had sold the icon of the Mother of God for much gold to the great prince T’oros, son of Kostandin, son of Ruben.”
Smbat Sparapet’s Chronicle: – Source
Smbat Sparapet’s Chronicle: – Source
Smbat Sparapet’s Chronicle: – Source

 Ruben III – (1145-1187) the son of Stepan and Margaret. ruled 1175-1187). – Source

“[Step’ane’] had two sons, Ruben and Lewon.”
Smbat Sparapet’s Chronicle: – Source

“Now after five years of Mleh’s rule, in the year 624 A.E. [1175], his princes hatched an impious plot. They [g191] united together and killed him in the city of Sis because of his disruptive ways. Then they sent to Paper’o’n and summoned Stefane’s son, Ruben, in order to seat him on the throne of his ancestors. He immediately sent his sister’s brother, Bakuran, with many gold and silver treasures. Then Ruben came and ruled his patrimony, and the Armenian princes gladly submitted to him [Ruben III, 1175-1186]. He was a young man of thirty years, benevolent, generous, and attractive, brave in battle and a skilled bowman. He began by generously giving gifts to everyone and started to distribute the treasures that Mleh had accumulated to the needy, and with a bountiful table he inclined everyone to him, heart and soul. Wherever he went with them, he bravely pushed back the bands of the enemy, thus taking Mamistra, Adana and Tarsus. At the commencement of his rule he gave very great gifts to his princes in thankful gratitude for what they had done by killing his father’s brother and establishing him in the place of his ancestors. He promised further good things to those who had actually slain his uncle, if he could determine who they were. Two men, deluded by their stupidity, came forward and said: “We killed him with our own hands out of love for you.” And [Ruben] was extremely thankful to them. But [later] he ordered that rocks be attached to their necks and that they secretly be thrown into the river. Their names were Jahan and Aplgharib (who was a eunuch). Once Ruben had [g192] consolidated his rule he began to harass [the fortress of] Lambron with battle and siege for three years. And he put them into dire straits owing to the old rancor which [the Rubenids and the Het’umids] had between them. But he was unable to accomplish anything.”
Smbat Sparapet’s Chronicle: – Source

 Ruben II – the son of Toros by his second wife. The seventh lord of Armenian Cilicia (ruled            from 1169 to 1170). Killed by Mleh’s men. – Source

“[86] In the year 617 A.E. [1168] the great T’oros died. He was the son of Lewon, son of Kostandin, son of Ruben, who bravely held [his] area of the Taurus Mountains, displaying acts of bravery in numerous places and having won many battles through his wisdom. May the Lord have mercy on him. As he was dying he designated prince T’umas as an administrator for his small son, Ruben. He ruled T’oros’ land for one year.”
Smbat Sparapet’s Chronicle: – Source

Sargis the son of Tatul – captain of a ship and a warrior, comrade in arms of Toros son of Levon.

Shahandukht – wife of prince Oshin, mother of Hetum, niece of Nerses Shnorhali and Catholicos Grigor.

Stepan – (Stepane, Stephan) (1111 – 1165), brother of Toros son of Levon. – Source

“ [85] In the year 614 A.E. [1165] Step’ane’, Lewon’s son and the brother of the sebastius T’oros, was slain through the treachery of an impious Byzantine duke. [This occurred] in front of [the fortress of] Hamus in the land of Cilicia. They had called [Step’ane’] there in friendship. Then, seizing him, they subjected him to a cruel death, crucifying him on a sycamore tree. The godless Byzantines would not spare [even] such a valiant warrior. [Step’ane’] had two sons, Ruben and Lewon.”
Smbat Sparapet’s Chronicle: – Source

Shushik – Babken’s wife.

Tornik – the grandson of Tornik of Sassoon; has arrived from Sassoon to serve in the Armenian army of Cilicia.

Toros son of Levon – (Thoros) Toros II, (1110 – 1169), Son of Levon I prince of Cilician Armenia, ruled in Cilicia between 1145 – 1169. – Source

“In the year 594 A.E. [1145] a lad named T’oros escaped from Constantinople. He was one of the sons of Lewon, son of Kostandin, son of Ruben, whom they had taken in chains to Constantinople with his House and sons. [The lad] T’oros escaped and reached the confines of Vahka in the Taurus Mountains. He disguised himself so that no one recognized him; then, intelligently, little by little, he attracted to himself capable men from among the clerics and lay folk. For he was a man who was learned and versed in theological writings, and he was also very capable in warfare. Physically he was broad-shouldered, tall, handsome, curly-haired, awe inspiring, and full of grace. With the aid of God he gradually came to rule over his patrimony, taking [g164] Vahka, Amoudain, Simanagla, Ar’ewtsberd, and other districts.”
Smbat Sparapet’s Chronicle: – Source

“[77] In the year 600 A.E. [1151] on the 23rd day of the month of Nawasard, red snow mixed with ash fell. And Nur-ad-Din, the lord of Aleppo, came against Tell Bashir with his troops. Because [the residents] had no hope of aid from any quarter, they accepted a pledge from him that they would [be allowed to] go unharmed to Antioch. They gave Tell Bashir to Nur-ad-Din and went to Antioch in peace. In the same year Lewon’s son, T’oros, took Mamistra and Tell Hamdun from the Romans and seized Duke T’uma. Duke Andronicus (Andronike’) who was charged with protecting the land of the Cilicians by order of the Byzantine emperor, came to the city of Mamistra with 12,000 cavalry against T’oros. And he boasted, shouting out to T’oros: “Behold your father’s iron chains. I will take you bound in them to Constantinople, like your father.” When valiant T’oros heard this, he was unable to bear the insult. Instead, placing his trust in God, he assembled his forces, breached Mamistra’s walls at night, and attacked [the Byzantine troops] like a lion, putting them to the sword. Among those who died in the great battle before the city gates was Smbat, lord of Paper’o’n. Among those captured were the lord of Lambron [g170], O’shin, the lord of Bardzrberd, Vasil, and the lord of Pr’akan, Tigran [all of whom were] on the side of the Byzantine emperor. [T’oros’] troops seized and despoiled the weak Byzantine forces and then let them go. Then did T’oros rule over Mamistra and all the other districts which he held without a care. O’shin, lord of Lambron divided the cost of his ransom, 40,000 dahekans, into two parts: he gave 20,000 dahekans [in cash], and gave his son, Het’um, as a hostage in place of the other 20,000 dahekans. And thus did he free himself and went to his own home. So Het’um came to T’oros as a hostage and was greatly liked by him, for he was attractive, aware, and composed. T’oros sent to O’shin and proposed to establish marriage relations: T’oros would give his daughter to Het’um and the 20,000 dahekans would be her dowry. O’shin agreed to this and had Het’um baptized—for up till then he had not been baptized—made him a knight, and married him to [T’oros’] daughter, all on the same day. And they rejoiced exceedingly.
[78] 602 A.E. [1153]. After this victory which T’oros had achieved, the Byzantines were furious with him. So they went to the sultan of Iconium, Mas’ud, with numerous gifts, saying: “Eliminate T’oros, his clan, and all the Armenians.” Mas’ud was bribed by the many gifts. He arose and went against T’oros. Now T’oros took his troops and went into the mountains in advance of them. When the foreigners saw this, they were astounded at his boldness. The sultan then sent [a message] to T’oros saying: “I did not come to ruin [g171] your country or to make war against you, but rather so that you listen to me and return to the Romans the territories you took from them. Then we will remain friends.” When T’oros heard this he was pleased and made this reply: “We will willingly submit to you as king, since you did not envy our advancement. However, it is impossible to return those lands to them.” When the sultan heard this, he did not press him. Rather he established friendship with an oath and returned to his own home…”
Smbat Sparapet’s Chronicle: – Source
Smbat Sparapet’s Chronicle: – Source

Toros (the senior) – (Toros I) (1070/71 – 1129/1130) brother of junior Toros’s father Levon (the uncle of junior Toros), elder son of Constantine I, lord of Armenian Cilicia, ruled between c. 1100/1102/1103 – 1129/1130. – Source

“[66] In the year 565 A.E. [1116] Baudoin [g144], count of Edessa, waged war against [Gogh] Vasil’s son, going against the fortress of Raban and besieging it. Vasil went to his father-in-law, Lewon, son of Kostandin. T’oros seized him and sent him to Baudoin who mercilessly tortured him, and forcibly took all his districts. From that point onward, the rule of Armenians in that land ended. Vasil again went to his father-in-law, Lewon, and thence to Constantinople where the Byzantine emperor honored him and all his troops.
In the year 567 A.E. [1117] Baudoin, count of Edessa, and Galeran, count of Saruj, massed troops and went against the Armenian prince Aplgharip, son of Vasak and brother of Likos, who was a brave and martial man. They possessed Nisibis and Bira, which they had taken from the Persian chiefs, and which had endured much harassment from Baudoin and Galeran. [Aplgharib] gave it to Baudoin and then went to T’oros in Anazarb. Thus did the Frankish counts harass the Armenian princes until they had removed them from their districts and fortresses. No one can relate the bitterness which the Franks displayed toward the Armenians.”

Smbat Sparapet’s Chronicle: – Source

 Tovmas – (Regent Thomas) Prince Tovmas, (?-12 century) Toros’s father-in-law (the father of the second wife of Toros). Toros placed his son Ruben under the guardianship of the Regent Tovmas. – Source

Vasil – Lord of Kesun, Smbat Hetumian’s spy and trustee.

Vest Sargis – (also: vestes Sargis Haykazn) a pro-Byzantine Armenian prince of XI century, a traitor acting against the Armenian kingdom of Bagratuni. – Source

Yaghub Melik – brother-in-law of sultan Mahsud, a commander in the sultan’s army.

Zenon – a Byzantine prince who ruled the Amut fortress after Abulgharib Piri. He was the son-in-law of the ruler of Mamestia.