Oshin of Armenia

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For the famous Japanese TV drama broadcast in 1983, see Oshin

Oshin of Armenia (1282 – July 20, 1320) was king of the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia, ruling from 1307 to 1320.

Oshin became king on the death of his nephew Leo IV and brother Hethum at the hands of Bilarghu, and initiated his reign by raising an army and driving out the Mongols. He favored a union of the Armenian and Roman churches, which aroused no little popular discontent. In 1309, he had his wife's uncle Oshin, Marshal of Armenia, executed for the murder of Thoros III.

His sister Isabella of Armenia had married Amalric of Tyre, and when Amalric usurped the government of Cyprus from his brother Henry II of Cyprus, Henry was held in Armenia by Oshin. He was, however, released and returned to Cyprus on the assassination of Amalric in 1310.

Oshin was married three times:

—First to his cousin, Isabel of Korikos, by whom he had one son, Leo (born 1309). She died in 1310.

—Second to Isabelle of Lusignan, daughter of the King Hugh III of Cyprus and widow of Constantine of Neghir, Lord of Partzerpert. Oshin divorce her before 1316. Isabelle died in 1319.

—Third to Jeanne of Anjou on February, 1316 in Tarsus. She bore him one son, George (1316-after 1323).

On his death on July 20, 1320, Oshin was succeeded by his minor son Leo V. Oshin was popularly believed to be poisoned by his cousin (and brother-in-law) Oshin of Corycos.

Preceded by:
Leo IV

Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia

Followed by:
Leo V