Smbat VII Bagratuni

Biography During the reign of the Armenian prince Sahak Bagratuni in 753, he became a commander, and after his death, also an Armenian prince (patrician). In 768, he participated in the Church Council of Partavi, convened by Catholicos Sion I of Bavones. In 774, the policeman Hasan took Smbat and other ministers with him, after which he began pursuing the rebel Artavazd Mamikonian, reaching the Samtskheta province of Virk. Then, in 774, he joined the rebel movement led by Musheg Mamikonian against the Arab Caliphate and won a series of victorious battles. He died at the Battle of Ardzni, in an unequal battle against the Arabs.

Rebellion In 774, a military clash occurred between the Arminian province and the Arab Caliphate. The movement, which began in 774, was supported by the majority of Armenian ministers, and the bitter conflict between ministerial dynasties did not find expression here. Enthusiasm reached such a level that the rebellion's supporters were able to attract the Armenian general Smbat Bagratuni, whose inclusion would naturally significantly enhance the movement's standing in the eyes of the people. A ministerial meeting was convened to discuss the uprising. It was decided to rise up against the Abbasids, vowing to fight and die together.

The leader of the rebellion, Mushegh Mamikonian, the Armenian generals Smbat Bagratuni and Sahak Bagratuni, Father Manuel of Mamikon, Vahan Gnuni, and many others, both ministers and ramiks. The number of victims was so great that, as the historian Ghevond wrote, there was not enough land to bury them, and they were left to lie in the open air, exposed to sun and dust, rain and storm.