Pahlavuni (Armenian: Պահլավունի; classical orthography: Պահլաւունի) was an Armenian noble family, a branch of the Kamsarakan, that rose to prominence in the late 10th century during the final years of the Bagratuni monarchy.
Origins
The Pahlavunis (also spelled Pahlavounis) were an offshoot of the Kamsarakan noble house, which itself traced its origins to the Kāren Pahlav, one of the seven great houses of Iran claiming Arsacid origin. The Kamsarakan house ceased to exist as a result of a failed uprising against Arab rule in Armenia in the late 8th century. Following the defeat of the rebels at the Battle of Bagrevand in April 775, the power and influence of the Kamsarakans—along with other leading nakharar (noble) houses such as the Mamikonians and the Gnunis—was destroyed. Survivors either went into exile in the Byzantine Empire or became dependents of other houses, chiefly the Artsruni and the Bagratuni. The Kamsarakans were forced to sell their hereditary principalities, including the regions of Shirak and Arsharunik, to the Bagratunis.
History and Influence
In the 11th century, the Pahlavunis controlled and built various fortresses throughout Armenia, such as Amberd and Bjni, and played a significant role in the affairs of the country. The family held the hereditary title of sparapet (general-in-chief) in the Bagratuni kingdom of Armenia. The most famous member was Vahram Pahlavuni (d. 1046), a military commander who led the faction opposing the incorporation of Ani into the Byzantine Empire.
According to historian Cyril Toumanoff, following the abdication of Prince Gregory II (c. 1045–1046) in favor of the Byzantine emperor, the Pahlavunis—under Oshin of Gandzak—moved to Cilician Armenia, where they formed the House of Hethumids. Toumanoff also identifies the Zakarid-Mkhargrzeli (Zakarid) house as a branch of the Pahlavunis.
Cadet Branches
- Zakarids-Mkhargrzeli
- Hethumids
Monastic Constructions
The Pahlavunis were notable patrons of religious architecture. In the ancient Armenian capital of Ani, they dedicated:
- Church of St. Gregory of the Abughamrents – Built as a private chapel for the Pahlavuni family, probably dating from the late 10th century. Their mausoleum, constructed in 1040, was built against the northern side of the church. The church bears a dedicatory inscription by Vahram Pahlavuni dated to 1031–1033.
- Church of the Holy Apostles – Dedicated by Abughamir Pahlavuni in 1031.
