The fortress was first mentioned by Hovhannes Draskhanakerttsi (John V the Historian) in the 9th-10th centuries in his History of Armenia as being controlled by the Armenian noble Bagratuni family.

He wrote that in 924, after losing a battle at the island of Sevan, the commander and chief Beshir went on to attack the fortress of Kakavaberd.

The same event is recorded in the book "Armenia and the Armenians" (1874) by James Issaverdens where he writes, Beshir enraged at this failure of his expedition, marched against the fortress of Kegh, on which he determined to wreak his vengeance.

But George the Marzbedunian was there with his few followers, he therefore sallied out and made a gallant charge upon Beshir's troops, marking his progress by heaps of slain.

Kakavaberd was last mentioned in the year 1224 when after losing a battle that took place near Garni, Ivane Mkhargrdzeli found shelter there.