Battle of Ani


The Battle of Ani was fought between the forces of the Kingdom of Armenia under Vahram Pahlavouni and the Byzantine Empire in 1042
Vahram had an army of 30,000 which fought against the Byzantines 100,000 troops. A battle ensued in which the Byzantines were routed with the loss of 20,000 men. The fight was so ferocious that the effusion of blood flowing into the Akhurian River is said to have coloured its waters completely red.
This victory allowed Vahram Pahlavuni along with Catholicos Petros Getadarts to crown Gagik II king of Armenia in the cathedral of Ani.