The throne of Senekerim Artsruni at Varagavank

The photograph shows the monks of Varagavank displaying the throne of Senekerim Artsruni, the last king of Vaspurakan. In the centre is the carved throne, surrounded by 4 clergymen in pointed hoods, 2 boys dressed in white and one more man. The clergymen wear crosses on their chests, and two hold staffs.

Senekerim Artsruni ruled from the end of the 10th century to the first quarter of the 11th century and was the last ruler of the Artsruni dynasty in Vaspurakan. During his reign the kingdom was attacked by Turkic tribes. The throne became a symbol of royal power and of the memory of lost statehood.