King of Cilicia Armenian I. Hethum and his time (1226-1270)

Cilicia was a region under constant threat due to the raids organized in and around the region. The fact that the Byzantine Empire, the sole ruler of this region, suffered from occasional shakes in its authority made the region a focal point first for Muslims and then for Turkmen groups. Therefore, the Byzantine Empire settled Armenians in the region with the population policy it implemented in order to secure the region. Following the settlement in Cilicia, Armenians continued to exist under the protection of the Byzantine Empire for many years. This loyalty gave Armenians an independent political identity, first as a barony and then as a kingdom. This soon allowed Armenians to establish independent contacts with the Great Seljuks and then the Seljuks of Turkey. In the following years, this network of relations led to the subordination of the Armenians to the Mongols and thus a good relationship with the Mongols, which in turn influenced the political situation of other peoples living in the immediate vicinity. In the following years, they established close contacts with the Crusaders and played a critical role in the Crusades. This study will shed light on the issue of the first settlement of Armenians in Cilicia, as well as the presence of Armenians in Cilicia and the historical development process leading to the kingdom. As a matter of fact, the history of Cilician Armenians will be emphasized within the framework of Hethum I, who served as the king during the most brilliant period of the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia between 1226-1270, and the political relations established during his reign.