Siege of Ani (1161)

The Siege of Ani in 1161 was part of the ongoing conflict between the Kingdom of Georgia and various Seljuk Turkic emirates and atabegdoms in the Caucasus region. The city of Ani, formerly the capital of Armenia, had changed hands multiple times in the preceding centuries, and by 1161 was likely under the control of a Shaddadid dynasty or a similar Turkic authority.

Georgian King George III, seeking to consolidate Georgian power and expand his realm's influence, launched a campaign to capture Ani. The Georgian forces, known for their military prowess, successfully laid siege to the city. The exact duration of the siege is not precisely known, but it culminated in the Georgians breaching the city walls and capturing Ani.

Following the conquest, George III appointed a Georgian governor to administer the city. This period of Georgian control, however, was relatively short-lived. While the sources do not provide the specifics of the events leading to the loss of Ani, the city was likely retaken by Turkic forces relatively soon after, reflecting the unstable political landscape of the region. The constant struggle for control of Ani highlighted its strategic importance and the ongoing rivalry between Georgian and Turkic powers in the 12th century. The seizure of Ani in 1161 represents a high point in George III's reign and his ambitions in the Armenian highlands.