The Bagratids, in an effort to unify the Armenian nation under one flag, have subjugated other Armenian noble families through conquests and fragile marriage alliances.
Eventually, some noble families such as the Artsrunis and the Siunis had broken off from the central Bagratid authority.
Ashot III the Merciful transfers the Bagratid capital to the city of Ani (now famous for its ruins).
The Bagratuni dynasty retains power by playing off the competition between the Greek Christians and the Muslim Arabs.
