RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN THE ARMENIAN KING SMBAT II AND GAGIK BAGRATUNI

Abstract

In the study of the period of the reign of the Armenian king Smbat II (978-990), the problem
of the relationship between him and his brother Gagik is of great importance. In this regard,
mention should be made of the tragic death of Smbat II, which is sometimes associated with
Gagik, who was previously suspected of conspiring against the king. After the death of the king
of Armenia Ashot III (953-978), his sons divided the royal possessions into three parts and
recognized the supremacy of Smbat II. Each of them received his part of the territory. The youn-
gest of them, Gurgen, passed into his possession and was proclaimed the local king in 978. But
Gagik, who also received his part, remained in the capital Ani and since the king had no other
heir, he was appointed heir to the throne. Soon he was suspected of conspiracy, left the capital
and moved to his possessions in the country of Geghama. After a while, the problem between

the brothers was resolved, and Gagik returned to the capital. He received the post of heir to the

throne again and after the death of Smbat II on the same day was proclaimed king. But his

contemporaies, who knew the problems between the brothers, suspected him of organizing

the assassination of Smbat II, and he was forced to unearth the body of Smbat II and show it to everyone.