Ashot II Yerkat and the Battle of Sevan

In the 10th century Armenia was threatened by a major invasion of the troops of Yusuf ibn Abu'l-Saj. The Armenian army was outnumbered, but Ashot II Yerkat, King of Armenia of the Bagratid dynasty, decided to give battle on the shore of Lake Sevan, where the terrain gave him an advantage. Part of the army was placed on the shore and part on the ships and boats of the lake.

The Armenian detachments withstood the first assault, and at the decisive moment Ashot struck back from land and water at once. The unexpected attack from the lake caused panic in the enemy ranks, and the enemy retreated. The victory at Sevan was one of the key episodes of Ashot II's reign, and for his steadfastness he received the byname Yerkat, “Iron”.

The picture shows Ashot Yerkat wearing a crown and a cloak, inside a round frame inscribed “Ashot Yerkat” and “914–928”.