Gagik Ardzrouni
Armenian
prince, maternal nephew of Sembat I and founder of Ardzrouni royal dynasty
that ruled Vaspurakan from 908 to 1021. He became ruler of Vaspurakan
province in 902. Ambitious and power-seeker, he betrayed Sembat I and
joined his enemies Afshin and Yussouf, governors of the Caliph in Atrpatakan.
In 908, he proclaimed himself King of Armenia, but his power did not
extend beyond his domains in Vaspurakan. His ruling marked the heyday
of the Armenian architecture. The magnificent royal palace and the Church
of Holy Cross were built by the architect Manuel on the island of Akhtamar.
Relief of Gagik
Ardsrouni, Church of Holy Cross.
www.ArmenianHistory.info