Smbat was crowned king on the same day of his father's death. He ruled from the city of
Ani, which he fortified. In particular, he ordered the construction of a wall around Ani, also building towers and fortifications to protect the city from north to west. He began the construction of the
Cathedral of Ani. His reign was generally a time of peace, only disturbed by conflict between Smbat and his uncle Mushegh in
Kars. The latter in 982 incited the Sallarid
emir of
Āzarbāijān, Abu'l-Haija, to capture and
Dvin, attack Smbat's domains and demand from him a tribute. This state of affairs was quickly brought to an end when Abu'l-Haija was captured by Abu Dulaf, the Muslim
emir of
Goght'n. Smbat concluded a peace with Abu Dulaf that left the
emir in control of Dvin and Goght'n. Smbat inspired contention with the
Armenian Church when he married his own niece (sister's daughter), which the church strongly opposed. King Smbat died and was buried in Ani in 989, while the architect,
Trdat, by order of the king, had started laying the foundations of the Cathedral of Ani. This building is still standing today, and with its unique style and simple decorations, is regarded as one of the masterpieces of Armenian architecture. As he did not have any male issue Smbat II succeeded by his brother
Gagik I. , as founders of the
Sanahin Monastery ==See also==