In the beginning of the 9th century, the Arabs had been weakened by the disintegration of their empire, mainly as a result of the many revolts in Persia. At this time they had a good ruler in Armenia, by the name of Haul (818-835), who as with Merwan in the previous century managed to win the respect and the liking of the Armenians. His reign occurred after the reign of Haroun al-Rashid (the Just) in Baghdad, when the court in Baghdad was bathing in wealth, resulting in a more liberal and freedom-loving attitude.
As Laurent point out: "The strength of the Armenians [in other words the Armenian principalities] and their courage was not enough to transfer their independence to a united power. The Armenians never united their forces and their will for a common cause." 44
The uprisings among the Armenian principalities never constituted an organized movement, but occurred on a regular basis. Even having repelled the revolt and regaining the valleys, the Arabs never dared to attack the mountainous capital of the rebellious prince in order to strike the decisive blow. Instead they provoked another prince against the rebellious prince, and by giving promises about each others' lands they managed to play them against each other.
In this way the Arabs were able to slowly but surely weaken and destroy the Armenian noble families of Mamikonian, Kamsarakan, Rshtouni and Gnouni, through the auspices of the Bagratouni and Artzrouni families.
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