Smbataberd (
Armenian
Armenian may refer to:
* Something of, from, or related to Armenia, a country in the South Caucasus region of Eurasia
* Armenians, the national people of Armenia, or people of Armenian descent
** Armenian Diaspora, Armenian communities across the ...
: Սմբատաբերդ; meaning ''Fortress of Smbat'' the Prince of Syunik) is a fortress located upon the crest of a hill between the villages of
Artabuynk
Artabuynk ( hy, Արտաբույնք) is a village in the Yeghegis Municipality of the Vayots Dzor Province in Armenia
Armenia (), , group=pron officially the Republic of Armenia,, is a landlocked country in the Armenian Highlands of ...
and
Yeghegis in the
Vayots Dzor Province of
Armenia
Armenia (), , group=pron officially the Republic of Armenia,, is a landlocked country in the Armenian Highlands of Western Asia.The UNbr>classification of world regions places Armenia in Western Asia; the CIA World Factbook , , and ' ...
.
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
rampart
Rampart may refer to:
* Rampart (fortification), a defensive wall or bank around a castle, fort or settlement
Rampart may also refer to:
* "O'er the Ramparts We Watched" is a key line from "The Star-Spangled Banner", the national anthem of the ...
s 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
Tsaghats Kar Monastery ( hy, Ցաղաց քար Վանք) is a monastic complex located along the mountain foothills overlooking the Yeghegis River, between the villages of Yeghegis (6 km northeast) and Horbategh in the Vayots Dzor Province of ...
. 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
The Mongols ( mn, Монголчууд, , , ; ; russian: Монголы) are an East Asian ethnic group native to Mongolia, Inner Mongolia in China and the Buryatia Republic of the Russian Federation. The Mongols are the principal member ...
forces rather than those of the Seljuq Turks.
References
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External links
Armeniapedia.org: Smbataberd
{{Castles in Armenia
Archaeological sites in Armenia
Castles in Armenia
Forts in Armenia
Tourist attractions in Vayots Dzor Province
Buildings and structures in Vayots Dzor Province