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Hethum I

Type Figure Region Cilicia Time c. 1226–1270 Also known as Haiton I

Hethum I (c. 1226–1270) was king of Cilician Armenia, facing pressure from the Sultanate of Rum and Muslim neighbors after 1226;…

Timeline

  1. 1253–1255Mongol khaganate · Mongolian PlateauIn 1254 Hethum I personally visited Möngke's court accompanied by marshal Sempad Sparapet, accepting Mongol suzerainty and recognition of his royal status in exchange for Mongol military pressure on the Sultanate of Rum and Muslim neighbors, one of the most important diplomatic actions of a Christian power in Asia Minor in the 1250s.
  2. 1256–1260Cilicia · CiliciaBetween 1256 and 1260 Hethum I supplied troops and materials to Hulegu's western campaign per the alliance, aiding the attack on Syria in 1258. After the Mongol defeat at Ain Jalut in 1260 he was forced to pay tribute to the Mamluks and hand over hostages, Armenia struggling to survive between the two powers.

Sources