Theodoros Rshtuni’s struggle for the independence of Armenia

Theodoros Rshtuni fought for Armenia’s independence from the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire and Sasanid Persia. Appointed by the Arabs Supreme Ruler of Armenia, Georgia, and Caucasian Albania. The Year of birth is unknown. In 639, he becomes the first prince of united Armenia and remains so until 643.

In 641, Armenian Catholic Nerses III appeals to Byzantine Emperor Constantius II with a request to officially recognize the power of Theodoros Rshtuni. The Emperor appoints Theodoros Sparapet of Armenia and sends Byzantine commander Procopius with his army to help him against the Arabs.

In 643, a conflict occurs between Theodoros Rshtuni and the Byzantine commander Prokopius, as a result, the army is divided into two parts. A little later, Theodoros Rshtuni wins victory over the Arabs, and the Byzantines suffer defeat. Enraged by this, the Byzantines staged a conspiracy that resulted in Theodoros Rshtuni being arrested and sent to Constantinople.

In 646, Theodoros Rshtuni again becomes the Ishkhan (Prime Prince) of Armenia and remained so until 653. In 650, a new Arab invasion of Armenia begins. Arab troops have ravaged Vaspurakan and Airarat.

Soon, Teodoros Rshhtuni won a significant victory over the Arabs in Vaspurakan. In 652, Rshtuni acknowledged his dependence on the Arab caliphate, in return receiving the post of the supreme ruler of Armenia from the Arabs. The feudal interdistrict that broke out in Armenia served as a reason for a new invasion of Arab troops into Armenia in 654. Rshtuni was captured and sent with 2,000 hostages to Syria, where he died in Damascus in 658.

Armenians And Armenia