
By the will of God, Queen Zabel and king Hetoum holding a long cross // Hetoum king of the Armenians, crowned lion standing right with a long cross in its paw. 16.5mm, 1.32 grams. Cf. AC 345-50 (for type); Numista 49424.
Hetoum I (1213–1270) was the King of Cilician Armenia from 1226 to 1270 and played a crucial role in aligning Armenia with the Mongol Empire. He ascended the throne by marrying Queen Zabel and navigated the turbulent political landscape of the 13th century, forging a strategic alliance with the Mongols in 1247 to protect Armenia from Seljuk and Mamluk threats. Hetoum personally traveled to the Mongol court in 1254, securing military support that helped Armenia withstand regional conflicts. His reign saw economic and cultural prosperity despite frequent wars. He abdicated in 1270 in favor of his son, Leo II, and retired to a monastery, where he died later that year.