Beginning from the year of 700 to the middle of the 9th century, Armenia together with the countries of the South Caucasus (Kartli, Arran, Shirvan and Derbent) constituted a single administrative unit called Arminiya of Arab Caliphate. The Mamikonyans were one of the strong, if not the strongest Nakharar (princely) family, which owned vast lands. Already from the 7th century the rivalry between the Mamikonyans and the Nakharars of Bagratuni is visible. In the 8th century, the institution of the First Prince (Prince of Armenia), except for two cases, was mainly in the hands of the princes of Bagratuni.

Keywordsthe Mamikonyans the Bagratunis Ashot Msaker Caliphate Arsharunik Tayk Taron