The city of Samosat in Western Armenia is also known as Shamshat, Arshamashat. The ancient city is located on the right bank of the Euphrates River.

During the reign of Tigran II the Great and Artavazd II (1st century B.C.), it became part of the kingdom of Great Armenia. In 72 AD, the Roman Empire annexed Samosat to the province of Assyria under its control.

From the 11th century to the end and beginning of the 12th century, Samosat was ruled by Armenian princes who accepted Seljuk rule, which is mentioned by the Assyrian historian Mikael Asori. At the same time, the city was under the authority of the Armenian prince Pilartos Varazhnu. Samosat is known as a city with a rich Christian past and traditions. Samosat was one of the important centers of Greek and Assyrian schools. Mesrop Mashtots sent a group of his students to Samosat to study Greek and theology, and then he personally went to Samosat with his two assistants, Hovhan Khredatsi and Hovsep Paghnatsi.

After the Seljuk invasions (11th century), Samosat gradually lost its former importance and turned into an insignificant city. 12th-14th centuries. the city was conquered by crusaders, Byzantines, Mongols and Turkmen tribes. 15th century Samosat was conquered by the Ottoman Empire. Before the genocide against the Armenians, the inhabitants of Samosat were mostly Armenians.

As a result of the catastrophic earthquake of February 6, 2023, great destruction occurred not only in Samosat, but also in other surrounding cities, as well as in other large and small settlements in the region