Biography

Died in 977.

Work Activity

Since 953 was the Armenian king.
During the first year of his reign Ashot launched a military assault to free the city of Dvin from Muslim rule, an undertaking that ultimately ended in failure. Despite this setback, he took steps to centralize power in the kingdom, patronizing the Armenian Church in exchange for its support. During his reign Catholicos Anania I Mokatsi moved his patriarchal seat to Argina, near the city of Ani.
Implemented the country's administrative system, thanks to which the Alliance of Armenian kingdoms was formed under Ashot the Merciful's leadership. The spiritual centers of the Kingdom became the monasteries of Sanahin and Haghpat, built under the patronage of his wife, Khosrovanuysh queen.
In 958 ordained his son Smbat II an adjunct.
In 961 proclaimed Ani the capital city.
In 967 the Byzantine Empire fraudulently taking the power of Taron Bagratyunyats and making it a separate camp in 970s, began to threaten the Armenian kingdom. In Hark province Ashot III went ahead to the Byzantine troops threatening his territories with his troops numbered 80000, and in 974 the Emperor Hovhannes I Chmshkik prudently signing a peace and friendship agreement left the Bagratunyats borders.

Succeeded his father Abas Bagratuni.
Moved his royal seat of residence to Ani.
Took constructional activities. Ashot constructed a wall enclosing Ani and that would later take its name after him, and sponsored the building of monasteries, hospitals, schools, and almshouses, as well as strengthened armed forces.
Armenia reached the height of its golden era during his reign.
Is acknowledged by foreign rulers as the Shahanshah (king of kings) of Greater Armenia.
Was nicknamed "the Merciful" for charity and care shown to the people.
Is buried in Horomos monastery.

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Ashot the Merciful's statue in Gyumri
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Haghpat monastery
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The complex of Haghpat and Sanahin monasteries