Smbat (Armenian:Սմբատ; 1277 – c. 1310) was king of theArmenian Kingdom of Cilicia, ruling from 1296 to 1298. He was the son ofLeo II of Armenia andKyranna de Lampron and was part of theHetoumid-family.
Sempad seized the throne with the aid of his brotherConstantine while his brothersHethum II andThoros were in theByzantine capitalConstantinople. In 1297, on a volitional journey to theGhazan's court, Sempad managed to receive recognition of his position as king from the Mongolruler of Persia, which was necessary to legitimate his usurpation. He also received a bride from the Mongol khan in order to form a matrimonial alliance, perhaps a relative of the khan himself.[1][2]
On Hethum's return, Sempad had Hethum blinded bycauterization and both brothers imprisoned atPartzerpert. Thoros was murdered there on Sempad's orders in 1298, but Constantine turned traitor again and helped Hethum overthrow Sempad, assuming the throne while Hethum's blindness healed. Sempad again plotted with Constantine to resume the throne soon after Hethum's restoration, and both were imprisoned for the rest of their lives.
Smbat I Hetumian | ||
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| Preceded by | King of Armenia 1296–1298 | Succeeded by |