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Leo (also Leon or Levon) VI of Armenia (1342-1393) ruled the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia from 1374 to 1393.
Leo was the son of John of Lusignan and his wife (or, more probably, mistress) Soldane. Constantine V, in order to wipe out all claimants to the throne, had given orders to kill Leo and his brother Bemon, but they escaped to Cyprus before the murder could be carried out.
Leo came to the throne on the death of his distant cousin Constantine VI of Armenia. Leo and his wife, Margaret of Soissons, were crowned at Sis on September 14, 1374. His right to the throne was challenged by Ashot. After several battles against superior Mameluke forces, he locked himself in the Kapan fortress and eventually surrendered. The Mamelukes sent him to Cairo where he remained imprisoned for several years. Later the King of Castile mediated for his liberation. He never reclaimed his throne, and died in Calais on November 29, 1393. His remains were laid to rest in the royal Saint Denis Basilica where most representatives of the French monarchy lie. He had one legitimate daughter, Marie de Lusignan (who predeceased her father), and two illegitimate sons, Guy and Stephan.
Upon his death the title of King of Armenia was claimed by Leo's distant cousin James I.
Bibliography
- T.S.R. Boase, editor. The Cilician Kingdom of Armenia. Scottish Academic Press, 1978.
"Leo VI of Armenia"