Baghaberd

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Baghaberd Fortress, also known as David Bek's Castle, is an Armenian fortress in Syunik Province. It sits on a ridge above the Voghji River, about 14 kilometers northwest of Kapan, at an elevation of 1,438 meters. It is believed to have been built in the 4th century by Baghak of Sisak Nahapet.

In the mid-4th century, Prince Andovk, ruler of Syunik, attacked a city of the Persian king Shapur II during his war with the Huns. Shapur II then moved his armies into Syunik and attacked Baghaberd. Andovk and his men defended the fortress, reportedly rolling rocks off the cliff to defeat three of Shapur’s units, before Andovk fled to Constantinople where he was honored by Emperor Theodosius I.

Baghaberd later became the last capital of the Syunik kingdom after nearby Kapan was destroyed by Turks in 1103. The fortress was captured by the Seljuk Turks in 1170. Today, the ramparts and several towers are largely intact, and the site is open to visitors.