Zakarids–Mkhargrdzeli facts for kids

The Zakarids or Zakarians were a powerful family in the history of Armenia and Georgia. They were also known by their Georgian name, Mkhargrdzeli. This name means "long-armed" in both Georgian and Armenian. A family story says this name came from an ancient ancestor, Artaxerxes II, who was called "Longarmed."

Historians believe the Zakarids came from the Armenian Pahlavuni family. The Zakarids themselves saw their family as Armenian. They played a very important role in the region for many years.

The Zakarid Family History

The Zakarid family had either Armenian or Kurdish roots. The first Zakarid we know about from history was Khosrov. When David IV of Georgia freed the area of Lori from the Seljuk rulers, the Zakarids became allies of the House of Orbeli.

Rising to Power

Under George III of Georgia, a Zakarid named Sargis Zakarian became governor of the Armenian city of Ani in 1161. However, another group, the Shaddadids, quickly took Ani back.

In 1177, the Zakarids supported the king during a rebellion. This uprising was led by Prince Demna and the Orbeli family. The king won, and he rewarded the Zakarids for their loyalty. Sargis was given control of Lori during the rule of Tamar of Georgia in 1186.

Great Commanders: Zakare and Ivane

Sargis's sons, Zakare and Ivane Zakarian, became the most famous members of the family. They were skilled military leaders under Queen Tamar.

Zakare and Ivane captured the city of Dvin in 1193. They also took many other towns and areas, including Sevan and Amberd. Around 1199, they captured Ani, and in 1201, Queen Tamar made Ani their own principality. Their lands grew to be similar in size to the old Bagratid Armenian kingdom.

Their success also led to many Kurdish tribes moving to the Caucasus region. Most of these new settlers later became Christians and joined Georgian society. Ivane himself converted to Georgian Orthodox Christianity. Zakare, however, remained faithful to the Armenian Apostolic Church. Some believe both brothers followed the Yazidi religion before becoming Christians.

The two brothers led the Armenian-Georgian armies for nearly 30 years. They won major battles, like Shamkor in 1195 and Basen in 1203. They also led attacks into northern Persia and stopped mountain rebellions.

They became very wealthy and ruled all of northern Armenia. Zakare and his family ruled the northwestern part, with Ani as their main city. Ivane and his family ruled eastern Armenia, including Dvin.

Building and Decline

Both brothers left behind many writings in two languages. They also built several churches and forts, like the Harichavank Monastery and Akhtala Monastery.

The Zakarid family's power began to fade when the Mongol Empire took control of the Caucasus.

When the Khwarazmian Empire attacked the region, the elderly Ivane ruled Dvin. He had given Ani to his nephew Shahnshah, Zakare's son. Dvin was lost, but Kars and Ani did not give up easily.

However, when the Mongols captured Ani in 1236, they were friendly to the Zakarids. They allowed Shahnshah to keep his lands and even gave him more. In 1243, they gave the city of Akhlat to Princess T’amt’a, Ivane's daughter.

After the Mongols took Ani, the Zakarids no longer served the Bagratids. Instead, they became allies of the Mongols. The Zakarid rulers continued to control Ani until the 1360s. Then, they lost the city to the Kara Koyunlu Turkoman tribes, who made Ani their new capital.

Family Tree

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See also

In Spanish: Dinastía Zacárida para niños