Smbataberd

Smbataberd (Armenian: Սմբատաբերդ; meaning Fortress of Smbat the Prince of Syunik) is a fortress located upon the crest of a hill between the villages of Artabuynk and Yeghegis in the Vayots Dzor Province of Armenia.

Smbataberd
Սմբատաբերդ
Vayots Dzor Province, Armenia
Exterior fortification walls of Smbataberd.
Smbataberd
Սմբատաբերդ
Coordinates39.871736°N 45.338113°E / 39.871736; 45.338113
TypeFortress
Site information
Open to
the public		Yes
ConditionExterior fortification walls, towers and the keep are still intact.
Site history
BuiltMost likely founded in the 5th century; Extensively fortified during the 9th-10th centuries
DemolishedCaptured by the Seljuq Turks or Mongols.

Site

Smbataberd was built in a very advantageous position on the southern end of a ridge, guarded by steep cliffs on three of its sides. Very large ramparts with towers are still relatively intact on the exterior. Within the confines of the fortress little remains except for the faint foundations of buildings near the fortification walls and a keep located at the highest point of the site.

History

It is likely that Smbataberd was founded during the 5th century, but was better established and heavily fortified during the 9th to 10th centuries.

The fortress received water from an underground clay pipe leading from the Tsaghats Kar Monastery. Local legend tells that Smbataberd was captured by the Seljuq Turks in a similar manner as the fortress of Proshaberd, where a thirsty horse was used to sniff out the pipeline so as to cut off the water supply to the fortress.

Because of dates relating to the destruction of the Tsakhats Kar and its later restoration in 1221, and the destruction of the village of Yeghegis toward the end of the 11th century, it would be assumed that the fortress also fell to invading forces during the 11th century. There is some evidence though that suggests the fortress was defended until the 13th century, which would mean that it may have possibly been captured by Mongol forces rather than those of the Seljuq Turks.

References
  • Holding, Nicholas (2006), Armenia with Nagorno Karabagh, 2nd ed.: Bradt Travel Guides Ltd, Guilford, Connecticut: The Globe Pequot Press Inc., ISBN 1-84162-163-3
  • Kiesling, Brady (2005), Rediscovering Armenia: Guide, Yerevan, Armenia: Matit Graphic Design Studio
  • Brady Kiesling, Rediscovering Armenia, p. 123; original archived at Archive.org, and current version online on Armeniapedia.org.
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