Each historical-geographical region of Armenia has had its own place and role both in regional developments and in the social and cultural life of Armenians. From that point of view, Syunik province of the kingdom of Greater Armenia is not an exception either. Together with Artsakh, it has been the eastern gate of the Armenian land for centuries, one of its military-political and civilizational cornerstones . It is no coincidence that Syunik had a special status in the kingdom of Greater Armenia. In Arsacid Armenia, the military forces under the ruling Syunik (Syuni) ministerial dynasty were among the most numerous , that is, they were ministers of the nobility and bore the titles of Prince of Princes or Crown Prince.

KeywordsSyunik Arevik canton Meghri Sisakan Stepanos Orbelian Tatev monastery Kingdom of Syunik David Bek Zangezur district Garegin Nzhdeh Mountainous Armenia.

In the result of the conducted research, we added the sixth branch to the five ones of the ruling royal princes of Syunik – branch of princes of the province of Arevik. The basis for this was the inscription on the khachkar installed in the southern corner of the eastern wall of the Church of St. Stepanos in the village of Vank restored in 1554, Meghri region. This inscription, dated 902, mentions “Lord Smbat”. According to the research and purchase contracts of the Tatev Monastery for the period from 839 to 891, the title of “Lord” was borne by diocesan bishops and throne princes. The same Smbat is mentioned on the khachkar, dated 911, which was erected in the rural area of Lichkvaz in the region of Meghri.

Keywords Syunik Arevik Meghri throne prince church khachkar inscription