Historically, the territory of
modern Sisian was part of Tseghuk canton at the heart of the ancient province of
Syunik, within Armenia Major. During the 4th century, the nearby historic
settlement of Shaghat became the residence of the princes and the religious
leaders of Syunik. It remained the spiritual and the political centre of the
region until the end of the 10th century, when the fortified town of Kapan in Baghk canton was selected as capital of the newly
established Kingdom
of Siwnik
