The kingdom of Vaspurakan had been divided in 968 on the death of Abusahl-Hamazasp among his three sons, and Ashot-Sahak, as the eldest, had retained the royal title and the suzerainty over his younger brothers.

On his death, royal power had been usurped by the second son, Gurgen-Khachik, who had reigned as King of Vaspurakan until his own death in 1003.

At that point, Hovhannes-Seneqerim, the third son, also withheld power from his nephews and crowned himself king.

His authority is weak, as the result of the successive usurpations, and his realm has been increasingly threatened by Turkmen attacks.

He therefore appeals to the protection of the emperor Basil II, and in 1021 he hands over his entire kingdom in exchange for vast domains in Sebasteia, where he and fourteen thousand of his retainers settle.

The Kingdom of Vaspurakan becomes the imperial theme of Vasprakania or Media.