Ashot annexed Bagrevand in 862, shortly after the death of the ruling Mamikonian Dynasty's head, Grigor Mamikonian. Ashot mediated between Grigor-Derenik Artsruni and Gurgen Artsruni, cousins and members of the Artsruni family who controlled Vaspurakan. Ashot then captured Grigor-Derenik and reduced the size of the cantons around Van. Ashot released Grigor-Derenik to avoid further conflict with the Artsruni family. Ashot later arranged a marriage between his daughter, Sophie, and Grigor-Derenik, in order to reconcile. Ashot also strengthened relations with the Siunia Dynasty by arranging another marriage between his second daughter, Mariam, with Prince Vasak Gabur IV. These familial ties helped strengthen relations between Ashot's sons and the surrounding dynasties.