---
title: Ruins of Amberd Fortress
author: James Blake Wiener
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/8157/ruins-of-amberd-fortress/
format: machine-readable-alternate
license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/)
updated: 1970-01-01
---

# Ruins of Amberd Fortress

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

## Image File

[![Ruins of Amberd Fortress](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/8157.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/8157.jpg)

## Image Caption

Amberd Fortress, in the Aragatsotn province of [Armenia](https://www.worldhistory.org/armenia/), has a long and rich history. Its name translates as "fortress in [the clouds](https://www.worldhistory.org/The_Clouds/)" in Armenian, and it sits along the slopes of Mount Aragats at an altitude of 2300 m (7546 ft). Its strategic location above the Plain of Ararat made it a much-coveted strategic outpost. Although originally constructed in the 7th century CE by the Kamsarakan princes, the Pahlavuni, Zakaryan, Vachutyan noble families also controlled the fortress and expanded it further. It was invaded by the Seljuks around 1075 CE, but liberated by an allied Armenian-Georgian force in 1196 CE. Amberd was heavily destroyed by the [Mongols](https://www.worldhistory.org/Mongol_Empire/) in 1236 CE; Amberd was finally abandoned by the 14th century CE due to invasions by [Timur](https://www.worldhistory.org/Timur/) (r. 1370-1405 CE).

#### 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. (2018, February 19). Ruins of Amberd Fortress. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/8157/ruins-of-amberd-fortress/>
### Chicago
Wiener, James Blake. "Ruins of Amberd Fortress." *World History Encyclopedia*, February 19, 2018. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/8157/ruins-of-amberd-fortress/>.
### MLA
Wiener, James Blake. "Ruins of Amberd Fortress." *World History Encyclopedia*, 19 Feb 2018, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/8157/ruins-of-amberd-fortress/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [James Blake Wiener](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/jbw288/ "User Page: James Blake Wiener"), published on 19 February 2018. 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.