Battle of Ani

Infobox Military Conflict
conflict=Battle of Ani
partof=Armenian-Byzantine Wars


caption=
date=1042
place=Ani, (modern Turkey)
result=Armenian victory
combatant1=Byzantine Empire
combatant2=Armenia
commander1=?
commander2=Vahram Pahlavouni
strength1=Unknown
strength2=50,000
casualties1=20,000
casualties2=Unknown|

The Battle of Ani was fought between the forces of Vahram Pahlavouni and the Byzantine Empire. The former heavily defeated the latter, inflicting up to 20,000 dead on the Byzantines. [Macler, p. 165.]

Background

Vahram selected a body of 30,000 infantry and 20,000 cavalry, forming three divisions, which fought against the Byzantines.History of Armenia by Father Michael Chamich from B.C. 2247 to the Year of Christ 1780, or 1229 of the Armenian era – Page 124 by Mik'ayel Ch'amch'yants'] A battle ensued in which the invaders were routed with great slaughter. The fight was so ferocious that the effusion of blood flowing into the Akhurian River is said to have coloured its waters completely red.

The Byzantines left 20,000 dead behind.History of Armenia by Father Michael Chamich from B.C. 2247 to the Year of Christ 1780, or 1229... – Page 124 by Mik'ayel Ch'amch'yants'] This victory allowed Vahram Pahlavuni along with Catholicos Petros Guedadarts to crown Gagik II king of Armenia and subsequently take the fortress of Ani, which had been in the hands of Vest Sarkis.History of Armenia by Father Michael Chamich from B.C. 2247 to the Year of Christ 1780, or 1229... – Page 124 by Mik'ayel Ch'amch'yants']

ee also

*Vahram Pahlavouni
*Byzantine Empire
*Byzantine Armenia

References

ource

*F. Macler. "Armenia, The Kingdom of the Bagratides". The Cambridge Ancient History, Vol. IV.]