---
title: Armenia's Smbataberd Castle
author: James Blake Wiener
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/7669/armenias-smbataberd-castle/
format: machine-readable-alternate
license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/)
updated: 1970-01-01
---

# Armenia's Smbataberd Castle

_Authored by [James Blake Wiener](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/jbw288/)_

## Image File

[![Armenia's Smbataberd Castle](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/7669.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/7669.jpg)

## Image Caption

[Armenia](https://www.worldhistory.org/armenia/)'s Smbataberd Castle (or "fortress") is located in southeastern Armenia near the villages of Artabuynk and Yeghegis in the Vayots Dzor Province. It was built in a desirable position, guarded by three cliffs, high in the mountains. Although it was initially constructed in the 5th century CE, it was highly fortified in 9-11th centuries CE when it belonged to the princes of Syunik. It was refortified again in the 13th century CE when the Orbelian princes fought against the Seljuk Turks. This picture shows one of the exterior fortification walls still in existence.

#### Editorial Review

This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).

## About the Author

James Blake Wiener has a particular interest in cross-cultural exchange and world history. He is a co-founder of World History Encyclopedia and formerly was its Communications Director.
- [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameswiener)

## Cite This Work

### APA
Wiener, J. B. (2017, November 21). Armenia's Smbataberd Castle. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/7669/armenias-smbataberd-castle/>
### Chicago
Wiener, James Blake. "Armenia's Smbataberd Castle." *World History Encyclopedia*, November 21, 2017. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/7669/armenias-smbataberd-castle/>.
### MLA
Wiener, James Blake. "Armenia's Smbataberd Castle." *World History Encyclopedia*, 21 Nov 2017, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/7669/armenias-smbataberd-castle/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [James Blake Wiener](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/jbw288/ "User Page: James Blake Wiener"), published on 21 November 2017. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/deed.en). This license lets others remix, tweak, and build upon this content non-commercially, as long as they credit the author and license their new creations under the identical terms. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.