Pseudo Shapuh Bagratuni

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52 BOULEVARD SAINT-MICHEL
75006 PARIS
1988-1989
THE ANONYMOUS STORY-TELLER

(ALSO KNOWN AS "PSEUDO-SAPUH")
Armenian literature is rich in histories of various kinds. There are
sweeping narratives, such as that of Movses Xorenac'i, which encompass many centuries; and detailed accounts of events that cover one
generation or less. There are biographies of individuals, such as that of
Mastoc' by his pupil Koriwn; and numerous works that describe the
fortunes of one particular family, such as the History of the Arcrunik'
by T'ovma Arcruni. There are carefully crafted literary compositions,
such as the work of Eh'se, and "dry-as-dust" chronicles which give but
an epitome of noteworthy events in chronological order. In some cases
the author of a History is well known, such as John (Yovhannes) who
was Kat'oh'kos of Armenia in the early tenth century; in some cases the
author is entirely unknown, and not infrequently the date of composition is equally uncertain. Some works are the product of personal
experience, or at least contemporary knowledge, such as the History of
Lazar P'arpec'i; other works contain material of much older date which
had survived orally, such as the History of Movses or the Buzandaran
attributed to the unknown P'awstos 1 . An extreme example of this last
category is the work translated below. It is a collection of oral tales,
most of them dealing with notable persons of the Arcruni family, which
were gathered at an unknown time and written down by an unknown
author.
It is hardly surprising that many literary compositions written in
Armenian over the past fifteen hundred years have been lost. Of
particular interest would be the History of Sapuh Bagratuni, which
describes events of the eighth and ninth centuries a period not well
attested in other sources. Scholarly attention was therefore sparked in
1921, when G. Ter-Mkrtc'ean and Mesrop Ter-Movsisean published a
text in Ejmiacin under the title "History of Sapuh Bagratuni". The text
was taken from a manuscript brought to Ejmiacin in 1917 from the
region of Vaspurakan and Mus in south-western Armenia. However,
the identification of Sapuh's lost work, which dealt with the fortunes of
the Bagratuni family centred in northern Armenia, with this collection
1
For a general survey of Armenian literature see DEETERS/SOLTA/INGLISIAN, 1963.
Robert W. THOMSON, REArm 21 (1988-1989) 171-232.
172
R.W.THOMSON
of stories (often fabulous) primarily dealing with the Arcruni noble

house of Vaspurakan was immediately challenged and is now rejected 2 .
Nonetheless, this curious medley is not without interest in its own
right as a rare witness to popular traditions that can be compared to
the more sober account in the History of the Arcruni House by Tovma.
There is a wealth of oral literature in Armenian ranging from short folk
tales to the elaborate epic commonly known as "David of Sasun". But
these were not recorded in writing until the last century, or even more
recently; whereas parts of the text with which we are concerned existed
in written form by at least the twelfth century, and the whole was
known by the fifteenth.
The edition of 1921 lacks part of the initial section. In 1971 M.H.
Darbinyan-Melik'yan published in Erevan a new, complete edition of
the work based on the manuscripts in the Matenadaran. It was more
correctly entitled "History of the Anonymous Story-Teller", and was
provided with a facing Russian translation of the Armenian, an Introduction dealing with the dating of the written version of these tales, and
brief annotation. It seems worthwhile to bring this composition to the
attention of a larger audience by means of an English rendering of the
Armenian text, and to investigate in greater detail the parallels between
this witness to oral tradition and the literary evidence of early Armenian historians 3 .
The first section of this work deals with the life of Muhammad and
the origin of Islam (in none too flattering terms). There follows a brief
story about Maurice, emperor in Constantinople 582-602, which ends
with the accession of Heraclius. The next section describes Heraclius'
efforts to recover the True Cross which had been captured from
Jerusalem in 614 by the Persians, and indicates how a fragment of this
most famous of all relics reached Hac'iwn in south-eastern Armenia. It
is followed without a break by an account of the early caliphs of Islam
and their dealings with Armenia. The first half of the text ends with the
repentence of prince Yard for causing a massacre of Roman troops,
and as penance his building of churches in Armenia delicated to Saint
Stephen, whose relics he had had brought from Jerusalem.
2
For a review of previous scholarship see the Introduction to DARBINJAN-MELIKJAN,
1971.
3 In the notes to my English translation I have not attempted to locate every place
named or to give detailed references for every person mentioned. My purpose has been to
indicate what is found in written Armenian sources, and what is unattested elsewhere.
173
The second half of the text is more unified. It gives an account of

succeeding generations of Arcruni princes, with details of their exploits
and their relations with Muslim caliphs and Bagratid kings. Much of
the material in this Anonymous Tale (a more appropriate title than
"Pseudo-Sapuh") has parallels in better known Armenian historians,
notably Lewond, T'ovma Arcruni, Asolik, and Kirakos.
The date of individual sections must precede the compilation of the
tale in its present form. The stories are not contemporary with the
events described, as many anachronisms indicate. And the combination
of events from different centuries indicates that some time had passed
before the Tale received a definite, written form. The latest events in the
Tale date to the attack of Smbat II into Ap'xazia at the end of the tenth
century. But this half of the text had no original connection with the
first half, and it is of the first half that the earliest written record
survives. The earliest dated manuscript with the section on the Cross of
Hac'iwn is Matenadaran 3777, written between 1185 and 1188, perhaps
at Sahnosavank' in northern Armenia. But not until 1491, when Mat.
4822 was written at Arcke on Lake Van, is the section on Muslims in
Armenia also attested.
Darbinyan-Melik'yan's general conclusion is that the earliest part of
the Tale, the section on the emperors Maurice and Heraclius, dates
from the ninth or tenth century; whereas the section on the Arcruni
princes was written down after the twelfth century. Although an early
date for the origin of stories about Maurice is plausible, the written text
of the whole Tale exhibits medieval grammatical forms and western
Armenian spelling more characteristic of the Cilician period. Since,
however, these spellings and forms coexist side by side with classical
forms and spellings, either the text was written at a time when such
changes were still in progress, or the scribes were unconcerned about
consistency and sometimes followed a popular, sometimes a learned
diction. It is noticeable that the language of reported conversation is
often more popular than the narrative text 4 .
By way of introduction to this curious medley it may be helpful to
note briefly the major parallels and differences between the information
in the Anonymous Tale and other Armenian sources.
4 The many variations in the spelling of the same name have not generally been noted
in the translation.
1 74
R.W. THOMSON
Despite close contacts with Muslim culture in all aspects of life or

perhaps because of the generally oppressive nature of the foreign
domination Armenians did not develop any clear understanding or
historical explanation of the origin of Islam until the 14th century. Not
that Muhammad was ignored. Indeed he figures quite prominently in
historians who describe events of the sixth to seventh centuries. But he
and his associates were treated with sarcasm and opprobrium in a
manner quite different from the equally hostile but more factual
descriptions of Muslim rule in Armenia. The Tale repeats many of the
stories found elsewhere about Muhammad's career5. It adds, however,
a long explanation of how he managed to persuade his contemporaries
that he was a prophet. This elaborate trick fits well with the popular
nature of the Tale, where individual cunning is emphasized and heroes
win the day by dint of wit rather than by force of arms.
Even more surprising than the legendary nature of such ruses is the
claim throughout the Tale that Muhammad himself was of Persian
origin, born near Isfahan. It is understandable that he should be
identified with the building of Baghdad, capital of the Abbasid caliphate with whose governors for the Caucasus Armenians had such
unpleasant dealings. Nor is it surprising that the relationships of
Muhammad's family should be confused: Fatima, for example, is called
his sister, not his daughter. But no historian could confuse Arabia with
Pars. Such a fable betrays a lively but unsophisticated imagination.
Another appealing anecdote is the advice that the emperor Maurice
received from his father, who by cutting off the heads of cabbages in his
garden indicated how his son should treat his opponents in the capital 6 .
This is also reported by the thirteenth century historian Kirakos. The
Tale proceeds immediately to the reign of Heraclius, concentrating on
the Persian capture of the True Cross from Jerusalem and its recovery
by the emperor 7 . The fate of the Cross was a traumatic event for all
Christians. Two fabulous elaborations in the Anonymous Tale are of
particular interest from the Armenian point of view. The first is the
claim that an Armenian noble from the region of Karin went as a spy
5 References to primary and secondary sources may be found in the notes to the
translation, and so are not repeated here. The pages of DARBINJAN-MELIK'JAN'S edition
have been noted [in bold print] in the English translation. For the section on Muhammad
see pp. 39-47.
6 Pp. 47-51 (of the Armenian text).
7 Pp. 51-71.
1 75
to the Persian court disguised as a merchant. He was able to send word

to Heraclius as to the whereabouts of the Cross.
The second elaboration introduces an otherwise unknown princess of
Siunik' named Beryl (Biwrel). With an impressive retinue of knights
wearing armour of beaten gold she assisted Heraclius in his Persian
campaign. Smitten by Beryl's beauty and wisdom, and feeling a sense of
obligation to reward her for the military support, Heraclius offers
whatever she would like. Distressed by the impossible demand for a
piece from the True Cross that he had just recovered, the emperor
refuses. However, the "philosopher" John Mayragomec'i leads a large
group of clergy in prayer, following which two fragments miraculously
separate themselves from the Cross. Such was the origin of the relic
kept at Hac'iwn, whose particular efficacy is stressed later in the Tale.
The origin of holy relics has spawned a vast literature of pious
frauds; the Armenians were not the first or last to engage in this
practice. But the most surprising feature of this story is the introduction
of John Mayragomec'i as "a philosopher whom the emperor loved for
his sanctity". John was a violent opponent of the Chalcedonian Greeks;
he bitterly opposed attempts at unification of the churches. A less likely
friend of Heraclius would be hard to imagine. His role is not essential
to the story. But by the time this Tale received its present form the
question of union with the imperial church must have faded far from
popular concern.
The first section of the Tale continues with a more or less sober
account of Muslim governors in Caucasia and the attack on Constantinople in 717-8. There are lively elaborations, but the account has its
basis in the History of Lewond 8 . However, fiction does not linger far
behind fact. With the introduction of the deceit of Yard Rstuni, who
though pretending to support the emperor cut the cables of a bridge
when Greek troops had crossed thus ensuring their defeat we are
brought back to the world of phantasy. Conscience-striken, Yard has
relics of St. Stephen brought from Jerusalem for hundreds of churches
that he builds to atone for his crime9. The author of the Tale is not the
first Armenian to suggest that feelings of guilt lead to terrifying visions.
But no other author makes so much of the episode of the bridge (which
is briefly mentioned by Lewond and some later historians).
8
9
Pp. 71-95.
Pp. 97-107.
176
R.W.THOMSON
Yard plays an important role in the construction of this Anonymous

Tale as a whole. For his exploit brings the focus of the story away from
the broader field of Byzantine-Muslim warfare to the specific fortunes
of Arcruni princes in southern Armenia. The second part of the Tale
opens with an explanation of the division of Armenia into two rival
sections the Bagratids in the north and the Arcrunik' in the south.
The author immediately proceeds to the family tree of the latter 10 .
This longer second section differs from the first part of the Anonymous Tale, not so much because it contains more legendary material,
but rather because the chronology is hopelessly confused and the
identification of the dramatis personae with characters known from
historical sources becomes much more problematical. Although this
section describes many of the same events as the History of Tovma
Arcruni, the seemingly straightforward progression of the story obscures
great confusion, not only of generations where the protagonists bore
similar names, but of whole centuries.
After reporting the death of Yard's son, the author states: "there
were two brothers, Gagik and Smbat". When these supposedly lived is
not mentioned. Gagik is a very common Arcruni name, Smbat a
Bagratid one. Two such brothers in the Arcruni family are not attested.
We are rapidly taken through several generations * 1 :
1.
2.
Asot
Gagik
Smbat
Grigor
Hamazasp
3.
Asot
4.
Gagik = Smbatuhi
5.
Sahak
Deren
The marriage of an Arcruni prince with a Bagratid princess is well

attested. Hfip'sime, daughter of Asot Msaker, married Hamza. She was
the mother of Asot Arcruni who died in 874. In the next generation
10
11
P. 109.
Pp. 109-111.
177
Sopci, daughter of king Asot I (grandson of Msaker) married Grigor

Derenik the son of Asot and Hrip'sime. Sop'i had three sons, Asot,
Gagik, and Gurgen 12 .
However, there is confusion in the Tale, since neither of these Asot
Bagratunis had a daughter Smbatuhi. Furthermore the child of Gagik
and Smbatuhi is called Deren. But the historical 9th century Derenik
was the son of Asot, not of Gagik. In the tenth century the more
famous king Gagik had a son Derenik, but that Gagik had not married
a Bagratid.
According to the Tale this first Deren's early monastic career was
brought to an abrupt end when he raped the abbot's niece. In irritation
his father quickly married him to a princess from Siunik'. The succeeding
generations, according to the Tale, then runl3:
5.
Deren = princess from Siunik'
6.
Asot (no further details given)
7. Grigor Deren
Gagik
Hamazasp
No such trio of Arcruni brothers is attested, though two sets might

be considered as models: the sons of Hamza Asot, Gurgen, Grigor; or
the sons of Deranik Sargis Asot, Gagik, Gurgen. The reported
exploits of this second Deren are entirely legendary:
a. His hospitality, in concert with his servant Gorg Zafran, which led
to bankruptcy.
b. His return to wealth and power thanks to a stranger whom he had
befriended who turns out to be the caliph of Baghdad.
c. His domination over all of Vaspurakan to the detriment of his
brothers' portions.
He took as wife Sop'i, daughter of Bagrat14. This indicates that the
story-teller had in mind Grigor Deranik (t 886), who was the son of
Asot and who married Sop'i, daughter of the Bagratid king Asot I.
12 For these marriages see the family tree of the Arcruni family in CANARD/LAURENT,
1980, pp. 466-468.
13 P. 113.
178
R.W.THOMSON
7.
Grigor-Deren = Sop'i
8. Asot
another son
i
9. Deren = Hranus
a daughter = Grigor Bagratuni
1
another son who dies of illness
The story now introduces Tacat Anjewac'i who was a friend of the
caliph's. A prince of that name and of pro-Muslim policy is well known
in the later eighth century, a century prior to Derenik 15 . To compound
the confusion Tacat is said to flee to Greek territory to the emperor
Phokas. Whether this is meant to be the emperor who reigned 602-610
or the late tenth century pretender Bardas Phokas, the chronology is
equally obscure.
In return for restoring alive to the caliph his son presumed dead in
battle, Tacat is appointed ruler of Armenia. During his rule a Muslim
merchant Set', son of Abuset', was killed in Xoyt'. This seems to be a
reflection of the death there of Yusuf, son of Abuset', in 851 16 . The
Tale goes on to state that for his pro-Muslim policies Tacat was
murdered by Armenian princes. That led to Bugha's invasion (which
occurred in 851).
Asot Arcruni, elder son of Grigor-Deren, now takes the stage. We
are told that he assisted the caliph in suppressing an invasion of
Maghrebites, but was retained at court because of his military prowess
until he managed to escape. This is reminiscent of the captivity at
Samarra and escape of Asot, father of Grigor-Derenik, who had given
support to the caliph at the time of a revolt in Qazvin 17 .
This Asot had a son named Deren the third of that name in the
Anonymous Tale. Deren married Hranus, daughter of Asot Bagratuni.
This seems to be a doublet of his grandfather's marriage to Sop'i,
daughter of Asot Bagratuni, since no Hranus of that origin is attested
elsewhere. The couple had three sons 18 :
p. 131.
See LEWOND, ch. 29.
See T. A., II.5-7.

Seel*. A., III.16.
p. 159.
9.
10.
179
Deren = Hranus
Asot
Gurgen
Gagik
Here we have the actual three sons of Grigor Derenik (| 886). And at
this point other historical persons of the same period are introduced.
According to the Tale's genealogy we are now at the tenth generation
from Gagik and his brother Smbat, who were themselves no less than
two generations from Yard who died in the mid-seventh century i.e.
at least twelve generations in just over two centuries.
The author of the Anonymous Tale now concentrates on Deren's love
affair with the daughter of the emir of Her. Deren's wife complained to
her brother, king Smbat. Although the story ends in the same way as
the account in Tovma Arcruni and John Kat'olikos with the murder
of Deren by the son of the emir of Her only the Tale adduces the
motive of retribution for adultery 19 .
On the death of Deren his orphaned children were dominated by
Apumrvan. Eventually Gagik engineered his murder and the Arcruni
princes regained control of their patrimony. The Tale elaborates on
Apumrvan's perfidy, and especially on his treachery to the Bagratid
king (which is described more briefly by John Kat'oh'kos). These
elaborations offer an opportunity for pithy dialogue, a characteristic
feature of this Anonymous Tale.
With Gagik now ruling over Vaspurakan (for the Tale omits reference to his elder brother's death until later), the author introduces a
story concerning the upbringing of Afsin and Yusuf the two Sajites
whose depredations in Armenia at the turn of the 9th and 10th
centuries are described in woeful detail by Tovma Arcruni and John
Kat'olikos 20 . The final episode in the Tale is devoted to Gorgen
(Gurgen), Gagik's brother. It begins with an attack on the Ap'xaz by
king Smbat, who supposedly had earlier married his son to the daughter
of the Ap'xazian king Datos. But here there is confusion between the
first and second Bagratid king named Smbat. For Datos is Theodosius III
(deposed in 978) and the Smbat who invaded Ap'xazia was Smbat II
(977-989). However, his son is called Musel, who was a son of Smbat I
P. 169. See the notes to the translation for the parallel accounts in literary sources.
Pp. 179-185.
180
R.W. THOMSON
(890-914), and the hero of the occasion was Gurgen Arcruni (born in
869)21.
The Tale is incomplete and ends in mid-sentence. The Arcruni
brothers Gagik and Gurgen agree to avenge their father Deren's death
on king Smbat. The last person named is Apusakr, whose double
dealing is compared by the Continuator to Tovma Arcruni as similar
to the treachery of Judas "who sold God". But the text does not
indicate how the rivalry between the two princely houses in 10th
century Armenia was resolved.
The interest of this short Anonymous Tale does not lie in its reliablity
as an historical document. Its hopeless chronological confusions preclude it from inclusion in "true history" as defined by Movses Xorenac'i 22 . Nor does it evince literary craftsmanship by any subtle development of plot. It is a collection of stories of diverse origins, from
different times, and not entirely devoted to Armenian characters. The
point of the Tale is that it gives expression to popular stories, most of
which are distinguished by a bon mot, a trick, an enigmatic gesture,
love interest, or some very dramatic or miraculous event. For example:
Part I
Muhammad: trick
Maurice: enigma
Heraclius: spy, miracle of the Cross
Expedition against the Cen: trick
Attack on Constantinople: dramatic miracle
Sahak's letter: dramatic event
Yard: deceit and terrible vision
Part II
Deren's youth: love interest
Deren and Gorg: lively entertainment, reversal of fortune
Tacat and Caliph: dramatic restoration of son thought dead
Deren and K'ulinar: love interest
Apumrvan and Smbat: treachery, bon mot, dramatic murder
Ali: love interest
Gorgen: dramatic attack over ice.
The second part is more coherent than the first and has more attempt
at a progressive narrative. Not all episodes are invented or imaginary,
21
22
See p. 187 and notes.

M.X., ii 82: "There is no true history without chronology".
181
but some are taken from written histories and enlivened to make them
more appealing.
The intended audience for this Tale was not a learned one which
in Armenia was primarily the clerical and monastic class. Their theological interests are entirely ignored here. Certainly relics are quite
prominent, but only as the cause of miraculous events or as providers
of protection. The Tale places much emphasis on conversation. Formal
histories, such as that of Elise, also emphasize the spoken word and the
dramatic use of letters. But in such works the rhetorical speech predominates. In the Tale short dramatic exchanges are the device to hold
attention.
There are no exact parallels to this Anonymous Tale in Armenian
literature. It differs from the many historical writings by virtue of its
unlearned character. On the other hand, its emphasis on story-telling in
prose sets it apart form the oral tales which form the epic cycle in
poetic form known popularly as "David of Sasun". The great interest
of the Tale lies in the fact that it deals with events apparently historical,
yet narrated in a fictional manner. It is thus precious evidence for the
way in which deeds of notable persons were imprinted upon the
popular memory. These embroidered versions circulated orally at the
same time as the more learned versions of Armenian historians
though perhaps these were equally tendentious in their own way. Read
therefore in tandem with the works of Sebeos, Lewond, John Kat'otikos and T'ovma Arcruni, the Anonymous Tale helps us to flesh out the
bare bones of Armenian history of that period. It enables us to perceive
a less sophisticated, but perhaps more typical, aspect of Armenian
culture and the interests of a class not normally represented in the
written annals of that country.
Harvard University
Robert W. THOMSON
182
R.W. THOMSON

(PSEUDO-SAPUH)
Part I
[39] History of the Birth and Upbringing of the Servant of Anti-Christ Mahamat
and his Reign
Here for the second time 1 I wish to turn (my) attention to the books of
historical chronicles, and to indicate in order how or what was done in the
lands of the Armenians, and Babylonians 2 , and Greeks, and in general throughout the whole world. Now many were the soldiers of the house of T'orgom 3
and numberless were the hosts of their princes. With them Trdat the Great
went out and conquered many provinces and kings. After they put him to
death 4 , his son Xosrov did not direct the royal throne aright, or his son Tiran,
or his son Arsak, or his son Pap, who poisoned the holy patriarch Nerses the
Great 5 . He received prompt punishment that involved the destruction of the
house of Armenia and the abolition of the monarchy. For they lived abominable, foul and execrable lives6, like heathens; [41] and they went astray from
the paths of God. Therefore God's anger came upon the land of Armenia, and
our kingdom was abolished and overturned for a long time 7 . Then the
harbinger of Anti-Christ 8 appeared, who is Mehemet, leader of the Taciks g .
There was a certain man from the land of the Persians called Abd-Rahman,
1
Second time: The author of this text is unknown, as is any other previous work of
his.
2 Babylonians: In this text "Babylonians" has several meanings. Here and p. 47 it
means Mesopotamia as opposed to Persia proper, and on p. 147 Babylonians and
Persians are distinguished. On p. 69 the expression "king of the Babylonians" means
"caliph of Baghdad", whereas on p. 117 the "king of the Babylonians in Baghdad" (in
Muslim times) is contrasted with Arabs from the West. (Note that page references are to
the pages of the Armenian text, which are indicated in the English translation by figures
in bold type).
3 House of T'orgom: For the Armenians as descendants of the biblical T'orgom see
Aa # 16, M.X. 1.5. The abbreviations used in the notes for Armenian authors are
elucidated in the Bibliography: Armenian Texts.
4 For the death of Trdat see M.X. 11.92.
5 The order and relationship of these kings follow P'.B. m-v and M.X. HI.
6 "Abominable (zazragorc)" is used in M.X. in 38 of Pap; but "execrable (garseli)" is
not found in this connection either in P'.B. or in M.X.
7 Long time: In the Vision of Sahak, LAZAR (p. 29-37) indicates a period of 350 years.
M.X. ends his History, m 68, with a lament over the fall of the kingdom and the removal
of the patriarchate from the family of Gregory.
8 Harbinger of Anti-Christ: kwapetn Nefin.
Armenian authors frequently call
Muhammad a "false prophet", and SEBEOS, p. 164, calls the caliph the "servant,
arbaneak" of Anti-Christ (Nefn).
9 Tacik: Derived from Tayy, this expression originally meant an Arab from Mesopotamia; it came to mean "Muslim" in general and was applied to Persians and Turks as
well.
183
son of Abdala, son of Belmikin, from the city of Rueran near the city of Reyy,
opposite the castle of Isfahan 10 . He begat a son and named him Mehemet, then
he begat a daughter also and called her name Fatima'' a very beautiful
woman. Now the son of Abd-Rahman, Mahamat, was possessed by a demon
and was deranged by this demon day after day. Incensed by the demon 12 he
burst his iron chains and bonds, and was driven by the demon into deserts,
mountains and caves. His father spent much money on doctors, but he was not
helped and remained in continual anguish. There came a man to him and told
him: "Take your son to the land of Syria to a man called Sargis 13 . In
accordance with his faith he is dressed in black and wears a cassock, and he will
heal your son". Abd-Rahman arose, took Mahmet his son, went to the land of
Syria, and met a Syrian monk. When they reached the mountain of the
monastery, the demon seized (Mahmet) and struck him to the ground; he raved
and foamed greatly. Sargis came up, took hold of Mahmet and raised him.
Abd-Rahman said: "If it is possible and you can cure my son, I shall give you
many treasures, honourable garments and noble horses". He undertook to cure
him. So Abd-Rahman left his son Mahmet with him and went away. The man
was Nestorian by faith, devilish and a lover of magic, very skilled in the
demonic arts of fortune-telling and sorcery; [43] whereas Mahmet was an
idolater by religion and a magus. Sargis said to Mahmet: "If you believe in
God and turn from idolatry, I shall cure you". He agreed and was baptised by
him. He baptised him according to the Nestorian faith. Mahmet lived with him
for twenty-three years, united with Satan in his body and his soul; he studied
the art of sorcery, and learned all the magical doctrines and heresies of
Nestorius 14 .
After this the news reached Mahmet: "Your father Abd-Rahman has died".
When Mahmet heard it, he wept. Sargis said: "Do not weep if your father has
died, for I shall make you greater than your father and all your family. Now
rise up, visit the house of your father, and return to me". So Mehmet arose,
took two of the monks from the monastery and went to his country. He
reached Samarra and found his dead father and his sister, the wife of Ali his
nephew. He said: "Ali, why did you raid the house of my father and take all
my father's treasure and clothes and all his possessions?" Mahmet made a great
outcry, took a part from Ali, returned to the land of Syria to the monastery of
Demetrius to the monk Sargis, and told him what had happened. Sargis said:
"Do not fear, Mahmet, as I have a means to make you great. Now arise and go
again to your father's house, and there induce some men to go as merchants to
the land of Egypt. When you arrive opposite my monastery, pitch camp. But
10 This is the only Armenian text which calls Muhammad a "Persian". For a general
review of Armenian attitudes towards Muhammad see THOMSON, 1986-n, and for this text
in particular, Id., 1979-80. See also now RUSSELL, 1987, p. 43.
1 ' Fatima was Muhammad's daughter, not his sister. The author correctly makes her
wife of Ali.
12 Muhammad's manic behaviour is stressed by T'.A. II.4.
13 For other references to Sargis Bahira in Armenian see references in n. 10 above.
14 For supposed "Nestorian" influence see THOMSON, 1986-n, p. 840, and below, p. 71.
184
R.W. THOMSON
you are not to say; 'I know this monastery or this place or this region', or that
I have marked the site of your camp. And I, taking my deacons, with torches
and candles will come to you, and raising our voices to heaven I shall frighten
the Persians who will have followed you, and I shall say to them: 'I saw a
heavenly vision concerning this young man; for he is a prophet and one must
believe him, and whatever he says will surely come about'" 15 . Mahmet did
everything that the sorcerer Sargis had instructed him. Mahmet went to the
land of Persia, to the city of Samarra, and induced merchants to go to the land
of Egypt, to the city of Alexandria. [45] Rich and honourable men assembled
and journeyed as far as the land of Syria. On the way Mahmet said: "O Persian
magnates, we are not in the (right) faith and piety, for our idols are vain. Now I
have heard from some people that there exists a God in heaven, above the sun
which is visible to us". They said: "What is the matter with you, Mahmet? Be
quiet and do not speak about that". But he began to expound to them the
earliest days, from Abraham and Noah and even from Adam. They were
astonished at his wisdom and said: "O Mahmet, what is your source for such
sayings and all this knowledge?" He replied: "Wisdom, knowledge, and prophecy have been given me from above". And when they had drawn near to the
monastery, they camped there opposite the monk's monastery in accordance
with his advice.
(That) night the monk Sargis came out with torches and candles accompanied by deacons and monks from the monastery. They came to the spot where
Mahmet was, and surrounding him they raised a great shout. The merchants,
waking with a start, were terrified. Rising up, they went to him and said to the
monk: "What is this we hear, Nestor Sargis, about this man?" And he replied:
"I saw a heavenly vision concerning him, and a great light and angels who said
that he is a great prophet, and that whatever he says his words are true".
[47] Then the merchants realised: "The words he told us when we were
journeying were true".
Rising up, they went on their way. When they had returned to their own land
and had gone each to his own house, they gave out that Mahmet was a
prophet.
Capasp K'asre16, king of Persia, heard of this and sought to kill Mahmet,
saying: "He has learned Syrian heresy and wishes to destroy the cult of our
idols". Mahmet and Ali arose, took Fatima, went from their own country,
from Persia, and came to dwell in the land of the Babylonians. And it was the
beginning of the Armenian year 36 (587 AD) 1 7 .
Mahmet began to build the great city of Baghdad on the bank of the river
Euphrates 18 . And there was dissension between Ali and Mahmet. Ali held one
side of the river, and Mahmet the other. ... war between Ali and Mahmet. For
This trick is not attested in other Armenian sources.
K'asre: This is the Arabic or Georgian for Xosrov, a form also found in JUAN$ER.
17 This seems to be the author's explanation of the hijra in 611 A.D. See SAMUEL
ANEC'I, p. 88, for variant dates for this event.
18 LEWOND, ch. 34, refers to the construction of Baghdad (in the eighth century); this
is echoed by T.A. II.4.
15
16
185
the latter did not permit the practice of prophecy which Ali had. He planned to
kill Mahmet, but was unable to do so because his sister Fatima was wife to Ali
and she would not allow him to kill Mahmet.
History of Maurice (Murik), emperor of the Romans
After this Maurice, the emperor of the Romans, died. He had taken Zak'ran,
sister of K'asre19, emperor of Persia (to wife). The murder of Maurice took
place in the following way.
When Maurice reigned in Constantinople he sent someone to his own
country, [49] to Armenia, to the city of Ani (to his father). The latter was a
gardener. The Roman came and found David (Dawid), Maurice's father.
Summoning him, he said: "Your son Maurice summons you, because he has
become emperor of the Romans". When David, Maurice's father, heard (this),
he laughed and said: "I cannot come. I prefer my small garden to the Roman
empire, for who permits a foreigner to rule?"
Bringing bread he placed it before him; then he himself entered his garden
and began to pull up the biggest root-vegetables. Taking the small plants he
(began to) cast them into the places of the largest. On seeing this the Roman
said: "What is that you are doing?" He said: "Such ought to be done".
When the man returned and came to the emperor Maurice, he did not bring
his father. He related before the emperor what his father had done. Then the
emperor understood and said: "This he gave me as advice concerning my
magnates". He arrested all the magnates of the Greek empire; some he
drowned in the sea, some he exiled. To the most insignificant men he gave the
dignity of patrician and general; and he formed an army of common people
and officers. So his rule was established firmly20.
He went through the whole Roman empire, and coming to the southern
regions he seized Egypt. Reaching Jerusalem, he constructed a wall around it
and enclosed it; [51] he restored the churches which the impious Roman
emperor Valens (Vales) had razed. He stretched his hand to the East and took
control of the land of Armenia, Aluank', Ap'xazk'. He controlled the East and
West and South.
He appointed a certain Maxaz from Armenia in the East, a wicked and
impious man 2 1 . He built the castle on the bank of the river Axurean, which he
called Maxaziberd 22 . He entirely pacified the whole land, which some people
have made into a proverb: "As in the time of Maurice, when one lived
untroubled" 23 .
He held the throne of the Roman empire for twenty-six years. He subjugated
Zak'ran is unknown to other Armenian sources.
This story about Maurice is also known to the 13th century historian KIRAKOS
GANJAKEC'I. See ADONTZ, 1934. The theme of the incident goes back to Herodotus and
has echoes in Livy and Pliny. See LITTLEWOOD, 1987, p. 9, n. 2.
21 Maxaz: The name is otherwise unattested. Musd Mamikonean is probably intended;
he was governor of Byzantine Armenia for Maurice in the early 590's. See GOUBERT, 1951,
p. 191-7.
22 D.-M. notes that this town is not mentioned before the 17th century.
23 This proverb is also found in ARAK'EL DAVRIZEC'I, IV.47.
19
20
186
R.W. THOMSON
K'asre, king of Persia, to tribute, married his sister, and brought her to
Constantinople 24 . She bore three sons and a daughter.
After this there was a man in exile on an island opposite Karam 2 5 (who) sent
secretly to Constantinople. He conspired with people at the royal court and
they slew the emperor Maurice at table, at meal-time. They sent for Heraclius
(Herakles) and made him emperor; and he, seizing the sons of Maurice, killed
them. The wife of Maurice departed and went to Persia to K'asre 26 .
[53] ... slaughtering and leading many captives to Persia. Coming (back) in
the next year, he inflicted the same on the Greek empire and returned. Six years
later he came and acted in the same fashion, making the land of the Greeks
barren of men and animals; for there was no food for man or beast.
History of Heraclius (Herakles), emperor of the Greeks
Then Heraclius, emperor of the Greeks, united all the land of the Franks 27 ,
Greeks, Greater Armenia, and A'pxazk', and journeyed to the East. He arrived
at Theodosiopolis (T'eodoypawlis), which is the city of Karin; and seeing the
city destroyed from its foundation, he wished to restore it. But he was in doubt
concerning the cross of Christ; for he did not know where he might find it.
[55] One of the princes, whose name was Constantine (Kostandin), approached
him and said: "If you wish, emperor, I shall seek and find Christ's cross". The
emperor Heraclius said: "If it is possible, try (to do) what you say" 28 .
Then the man prepared mules and many treasures and honourable garments
and went to the land of Persia, to the city of Ganjak and to the capital (city)
which they call "the Golden City" 29 , that is T'awrez 30 . When the citizens
heard (of him), they said: "This day has turned out fortunate for us, because
what was dear to our hearts and eyes is found with this Roman merchant".
King K'asre also heard (of him) and summoned the merchant; he questioned
Maurice's daughter, Maria, who is said to have married Xusro II in the Sdhnameh.
D.-M. notes the variant Mara in several MSS, and identifies the site with the
monastery Mara in Constantinople (for which see JANIN, 1964, p. 384-5).
26 Maurice's wife was actually killed by Phokas, whose reign our author ignores.
D.-M. (p. 211) notes an elaboration of the tale of Maurice's wife going to Persia in the
MS Matenadaran 8100. It was at her urging that Xosrov began his attack on Greek
territory. For the ensuing war see SEBEOS, p. 107ff., briefly in T'.A. H 3.
27 Franks: frank. The name is first used in Armenian in the AX of the inhabitants
of Gaul. It becomes frequent in the 12th century to describe the Crusaders. D.-M. notes
that some MSS of the text omit the word here, and assumes that it is a later interpolation.
28 SEBEOS (ch. 28-29) has a brief reference to the return of the Cross by the Persian
general Xoream and to Heraclius taking it in person to Jerusalem. His account is the basis
for the later versions in T'.A., JOHN KAT'OLIKOS, and ASOLIK. (But cf. below, p. 69, n. 42.)
The following tale of the prince disguised as a merchant is not found in other Armenian
sources. "Constantine" is called a naxarar, implying that he was an Armenian from the
region of Karin.
29 MARR, 1909, p. 50 n. 5, notes a variant in the recension published in Ararat. For
"Golden City" (oski k'alak") it reads: "where golden thread is worked" (oski k'arn
which Marr emends to karn gorci).
30 It is not clear from the punctuation of the printed text whether the reference is to
the capital city (sahastan) Ganjak plus an ill-informed gloss "which is Tabriz", or whether
the author intended to name two cities, Ganjak and the capital city Tabriz.
24
25
187
him saying: "From which land are you?" He said: "From the land of the
Greeks". The king said: "Do you have useful wares?" He replied: "Yes, king,
very useful ones. I have splendid garments and golden vessels with me, and
precious gems". He brought them and set them before the king. The king was
pleased; and taking some of the garments and golden vessels and precious
gems, he gave the price to the merchant, as much as he desired.
News of the merchant spread throughout the city, and everyone eagerly came
to the merchant. He made great efforts to discover the place of the holy Cross
of Christ, because that was the reason for his coming to Persia, so that he
might find the whereabouts of the precious wood of the Cross. Now there was
a nobleman at the court of king K'asre, a friend of the king's. He came to the
Roman merchant and bought from him splendid garments and precious gems
and golden vessels. He recognised the man's sincerity, befriended him, and gave
him gold-threaded garments, golden vessels and precious gems. [57] They
became friendly to each other, and the nobleman used to visit the Roman
merchant. One day he said to him: "It is many days that I have been coming to
you; come yourself some time to my house, so that I may recompense you for
your great expense". "I shall willingly come".
So one day he sent his servants to summon the merchant to his house. He
came. And he prepared a splendid banquet and a meal with various dishes. But
he only took bread to eat. The Persian asked him: "Why are you not eating?"
He said: "It is three years since meat or other delicate food has entered my
mouth". The Persian said: "For what reason? Why do you not eat?" The
Roman merchant said: "Because I have made a vow that until I worship the
holy wood which the Persian army captured from Jerusalem, (only) then will I
taste meat or other delicate food. Pay heed to what I say. If it is possible, bring
me the wooden Cross". "But it is not possible for anyone to attain the spot
where your wooden Cross is kept, because that place is a chamber of our king
K'asre's. But if you wish, I shall lead you near to the house where the Cross is
kept". So he thanked him.
Rising up, the two of them came to the palace of the Persian king.
[59] Showing him the house, he said: "here is the wood of your Cross". He fell
down and worshipped in front of the house. Then they went to their lodgings.
And he hastily sent word to the emperor Heraclius.
Now the emperor Heraclius was residing in the city of Karin, having begun
to restore the wall which Xorian the Persian general had destroyed31. The
messenger sent by the merchant reached the emperor Heraclius. He gathered an
army of Armenians, Georgians, Aluank', Mesopotamians, Greeks, and Franks,
and advanced into the land of Vaspurakan.
When the princess of Siunik', whose name was Biurel, heard (of this), she
came before the emperor Heraclius, bringing treasures of gold and precious
garments, and many horses and mules, and 1,000 warriors, and four hundred
(sets of) armour of beaten gold, and one thousand helmets. And she brought
31 SEBEOS, p. 112, refers to the Persian depopulation of Karin, but not to the
destruction of its wall.
188
R.W.THOMSON
with her fighting men. She was a beautiful woman and very wise, and she
pleased the emperor Heraclius 32 .
He marched to the land of Persia with 100,000 warriors. When king K'asre
heard of the Roman emperor's coming, he gathered his forces and went to meet
him in battle and to draw up ranks in the plain of T'avrez. The Roman army
attacked him, captured K'asre the Persian king, bound him in iron bonds, and
went to the city where K'asre dwelt 33 . They besieged it, [61] and in three days
took the city and destroyed the castle. Opening the treasury, he found there the
saving wood of Christ's Cross, and rejoiced greatly. Seizing much booty, he
took captive all the land of Persia, depopulated it of men and animals, and led
(them) into captivity.
Marching off, he encamped in the province of Zarewand. K'asre begged the
emperor Heraclius to release him in peace from his bonds. They stayed at that
place for thirty days. He had a small church built, in which they set up the
Cross and wrote down all the details of the war and the date. The Roman
emperor Heraclius and the Persian king K'asre proclaimed a written (pact) of
union; they fixed the boundary (at) that place and called the name of the spot
Hramansaray 34 . Then the emperor Heraclius commanded his troops, and they
piled up earth on that place, making a high hill of earth; and on it he released
the Persian king.
He returned to Armenia; he came and dwelt in the land on the plain of
Carmanac', near to the city of Sanatruk which is Sawarsan 35 . [63] The princess
of Siunik' came before the emperor Heraclius, bringing gifts more numerous
than before. The emperor Heraclius said: "O woman, you have made an
awesome effort. Tell me what I can do for you in return. Tell me". The princess
of Siunik' replied: "O emperor, I have no need of anything from you". The
emperor Heraclius said to her: "How great are you that I can carry off your
feat myself? Ask of me a land or a noble husband, and I shall give you, or
many treasures of gold". The princess replied: "I need nothing from your
hands, O emperor; but if you wish to give me gifts, I shall tell you straight out
to whom I likened myself and you". The emperor said: "Speak, that I may
hear". The princess said: "You resemble a traveller, and I resemble a hospitable
inn which lies on the road; when he comes, it receives him and places before
him a table and nourishes the traveller with all its strength. And he, taking
from the possessions he has brought, gives (the fee) for hospitality. So, my lord
32 Biurel is not mentioned by other Armenian sources, nor does the historian of
Siunik', STEP'ANOS ORBELEAN, refer to this tale.
33 SEBEOS, followed by T'.A. and M.-D., claims that Xosrov fled from Ctesiphon at
the approach of Heraclius and was later killed by Persians who supported his son Kawat.
However, JOHN MAMIKONEAN (p. 57) and KIRAKOS (p. 52) in their very brief references to
the capture and restoration of the Cross say that Heraclius killed Xosrov and sent the
Cross back to Jerusalem.
34 Hramansaray (lit. "palace of the decree") is not attested in other Armenian sources.
35 M.X., 11.34 and 52, indicates that Sawarsan was a province (not a city) called Artaz
in his time. The city specially identified with Sanatruk was Mcurn: P'.B. IV. 14, and cf.
M.X. 11.36.
189
emperor, if you give me a part of the gifts you possess (that is my request); if
not, nothing else is necessary".
The emperor refused, saying: "I cannot give you what you ask". Then the
princess stood up, did obeisance to the emperor, and went her way. The
emperor Heraclius said: "What shall I do for the pious family and faithful
princess of Siunik', for she expended much at my court and returned sad and
unsatisfied? I have acted badly".
John (Yohan) Maragomec'i was there, a philosopher whom the emperor
loved for his sanctity 36 . John said: [65] "My lord emperor, how is it that you
did not fulfil her requests?" The emperor Heraclius answered: "How could I
draw a sword against the life-bearing wood of Christ's Cross, which with such
effort I was able to deliver from Persian captivity?" John said: "O emperor,
hear what I have to say. Place the sword on the cover of the Cross, and tell the
princess of Siunik1 to pray. And if the holy Cross desires, the holy Spirit will
grant her request". The emperor Heraclius obeyed, and sent to bring back the
princess of Siunik'. He said to her: "Madam, you have become a great concern
for me. So let us place the sword on the cover of the Cross; then gather your
bishops and priests, and pray. If it seems pleasing to the Lord your God, he will
give you in accordance with your faith a piece of his wooden Cross".
The princess did obeisance to the emperor. Then he ordered the Cross to be
brought, and they opened the golden casket, worked with precious stones, in
which lay the holy wood. Placing on it a sword, the emperor sealed it with his
ring. At the setting of the sun twelve bishops, John Maragomec'i, and many
priests came before the holy Cross and kept watch all night with much vigilance
until dawn. Then the emperor Heraclius came; opening the cover of the Cross,
he saw that two pieces had broken away from the Cross 37 , and he marvelled at
the faith of the princess. The emperor said: "Madam, great is your faith 38 and
blessed is the see of the Illuminator saint Gregory (Grigor)".
The princess took the relic of the Cross which God had granted her, and
proceeded to her house. When she had set out on her journey [67] and passed
through the plain which is called Hac'iwn39, while she was still on her way,
suddenly the mule stopped to which was harnessed the carriage with the relic of
the cross in its golden covering. It was impossible to move it, either for the
bishops or the priests; and even the princess, when she took into her bosom the
golden reliquary in which lay the relic of the holy Cross of Christ, was unable
to move from the spot40. She wept torrents of tears, saying: "O my Lord Jesus
Christ, why did you deprive me of the desirable treasures which you bestowed
on me? For I wished to bring this to the dwelling of my fathers. But you are the
36 In fact John Mayragomec'i was a violent opponent of the Greeks and of union with
the Byzantine church; see the discussion of his career in GARITTE, 1952, p. 311-49.
37 JOHN MAMIKONEAN, in his account of the Cross of Cicarn (p. 57), indicates that
Heraclius put to death a man who cut off a piece of the Cross for himself when the
emperor was marching through Armenia distributing relics of the Cross.
38 Matt. 15.28.
39 Hac'iwn is N.W. of Maku.
40 For the miraculous immobility of relics cf. Aa #811 (mules pulling the carriage
with relics of John the Baptist and Athenogenes), and SEBEOS, p. 86 (mules pulling the
carriage with relics of saint Daniel).
190
R.W.THOMSON
same Lord and this is your custom, that 'others will labour and others will eat
and others will dwell'" 41 .
Then a hermit, who dwelt on the mountain, came up and said to the
princess: "O pious lady, God has commanded this holy Cross to dwell in this
place". So the princess set to work and constructed there a monastery for the
holy Cross. And she purchased the fortress which is called Hac'iwn and the
area around the fortress, and gave it to the monastery of the holy Cross. Then
she herself went to her own land.
But the Roman emperor Heraclius, taking the Cross came to the city of
Karin. He gave the holy wood to Constantine (Kostendin) and to Theodosius
(Teoydas) his sons, saying: "Go to the city of Jerusalem and place the holy
Cross on Golgotha in the place where Christ was crucified, [69] and carry out a
great vow to God and glorify the sign of the Cross" 42 .
When they had gone and were close to the city of Jerusalem, they heard that
Jerusalem had been taken by the rebellious Mahmet, son of Abd-Rahman. For
when Heraclius went to Persia, the elders and magnates (of) the Israelite Jews
had arisen; they took the book of the laws of Moses and many other presents
and went to the city of Baghdad (BaHat) 43 . They met Mahmet and said to him:
"We have heard about you that you have become king of the land of the
Babylonians. So be informed that you are a son of Ismayel, begotten by
Abraham, and we are sons of Isahak 44 . Isahak and Ismayel were bloodbrothers begotten by Abraham. So it is necessary for you to rule over the
renowned city of Jerusalem. Why do foreigners inherit it?" When Mahmet
heard the speech of the Hebrews, he summoned Fatima his sister 45 and Ali his
brother-in-law, and said to Ali: "Behold, we learned today about the inheritance of our father Abraham. Arise, take my sister Fatima and all the host of
your army, and I shall take my army and follow you, and I shall confirm your
rule there".
Rising up, they gathered their battle-troops and came to Jerusalem; they
entered and camped within. When the sons of the emperor Heraclius reached
Ramlay and heard that Mahmet was in Jerusalem with an army, they turned
back in flight to Antioch (Andiawk') with the Cross. When Mahmet and Ali
heard, they pressed after them and made them flee46. They travelled day and
night [71] until they reached the shore of the sea of Constantinople; having
entered the city they were freed of worry.
A garbled version of Jh. 4.37-8.
SEBEOS and most other Armenian historians say that Heraclius went to Jerusalem in
person; see above, p. 55 n. 28.
43 According to SEBEOS, p. 135, the Jews went to Tackastan to the sons of Ismayel in
the desert. For Armenian traditions concerning the origin of Islam and the rise of
Muhammad see above, p. 41, n. 10.
44 Other Armenian sources emphasise the consanguinity of Jews and Arabs as sons of
Abraham, but do not introduce Isaac in this regard.
45 See above, p. 41.
46 Ramla is not mentioned in this regard by other Armenian sources. SEBEOS does not
say that the sons of Heraclius fled with the Cross, but the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
41
42
191
Now why did Constantine and Theodosius flee to Constantinople (when) the
Cross was with them? The Cross had decided to go to Constantinople because
of the security of the place.
Then Mahmet returned and captured Tarsus (Darsis) in Cilicia, Adana, Msis,
Asia 47 , Antioch, and Melitene. After that he went to the land of Egypt, to the
city of Alexandria which he named Msr, which translated means "place of
rebels"48. Then he dominated the East and subjected Persia and Gund, which
is Xorasan 49 . He held the whole land as sole ruler, and imposed his own
commands on the whole world. He dominated the entire land and prospered.
Then he returned to Baghdad. He summoned the people of Jerusalem, read
the old writings, and learned everything. He spread everywhere circumcision
and established confession in one God. He removed the faith of Nestorius 50
and established a new faith, calling himself prophet to the nation of the
Persians, and by fraud made everyone believe who believed in him. The demonpossessed, false teacher Mahmet established his own tradition and laws. He
converted the rich man, whose name was Apupak'r from the nation of the
Persians, and Awmar; and they became his heralds and spread word about
him.
He united the whole land of Baghdad and of Egypt, [73] and came to attack
the land of Persia. By force he seized all the great men of the country and all
the nobles, and by compunction had himself named and confessed prophet. He
turned to attack Armenia, and imposed tribute on all Armenia. Now Vahan,
lord of the Mamikonean, was sparapet51. And he (Mahmet) imposed taxcollectors. The whole house of Armenia gave 1,000 dahekan, and the house of
Vaspurakan 2,000 dahekan. Then he imposed tribute on all nations and
returned to Baghdad; having lived for sixty-eight years, he died.
After Mahmet reigned Ibtad Apubak'r; he held the throne for ten years and
died. Then Amr reigned. When Amr was reigning in Baghdad, Heraclius the
Roman emperor died. And in his place the emperor Leo (Levon) reigned 52 .
Amr, ruler of Baghdad, had a general (named) Ahmat, son of Mahmed 53 , a
fierce and warlike man, to whom he entrusted the whole empire. He gathered
many troops and went to the land of the Cenk'. On arriving, he encamped on
47 Msis and Asia: probably a corruption of a longer form for Mopsuestia (Mamisia)
than the usual Msis.
48 This etymology for Msir, "city or town" in Arabic which is commonly used for
Egypt in Armenian, is unattested elsewhere.
49 Xorasan and Gund are identified also on p. 119 below. In other texts Gund is not
used as a place name, save as a corrupted form of "Goth".
50 Nestorius: see above, p. 43.
5 ' Vahan does not play a role in the histories of SEBEOS and his followers, but figures
prominently in the more legendary work attributed to JOHN MAMIKONEAN.
52 The chronology is somewhat confused. Amr (Umar), who succeeded Abubakr, was
caliph from 634 to 644, and Heraclius died in 641. But the Umar intended is Umar II
(717-720) and Leo is Leo III, emperor 717-41. However, the following episode took place
during the caliphate of Walid I, 705-15.
53 This is Muhammad-ibn-Merwan, whose attacks on Armenia are described in detail
by LEWOND. See his ch. 11 for the following encounter with the Cen.
192
R.W.THOMSON
the bank of the river called Kur. He sent a message to the king of the Cenk',
Cenbakur, saying: "Give me tribute, slaves, and 30,000 handmaidens". Then
Cenbakur took counsel; gathering strong men, he armed them with cuirasses
and helmets. He prepared waggons and covered the waggons around with
garments. Inside he hid the warriors, and he sent the waggons to the bank of
the river. He sent word to Ahmat, son of Mahmet, saying: "At your command
I have brought slaves and handmaidens, [75] about 70,00054. See to the
necessary men and have them cross to this side of the river, so that they may
take the slaves and handmaidens, for these are very beautiful".
When Ahmat, son of Mahmet, heard the message of the king of the Cenk',
he was deceived at his speech; gathering about 70,00055 warriors he prepared
ships and ferried them to the other side of the river. The Cenk' dragged the
ships onto the dry land. Then the men who were hiding ready in the waggons
rose up and mercilessly slaughtered the foreigners. So the Persian general
Ahmat, son of Mahmet, returned to Baghdad in great shame.
He stayed there until the next year, then he gathered troops in numberless
multitudes and again attacked the land of the Cenk' 56 . He completely devastated
all the land of Armenia and passed into the land of the Xazark'. But Cenbakur
came to meet him and brought before him many treasures, noble horses with
harnesses worked in gold, about 300,000, fine pelts of wild animals, and many
luminous gems. Satisfied, he went (away) and did not enter the land of the
Xazark' 57 .
He decided to attack Darband, which Alexander (Alek'santros) the Great
had erected58. Having captured the city of Darband, he attacked and captured
the fortress above the Pass of the Alans; having taken it, he controlled the
impregnable iron-bound pass 59 . Ahmat took counsel with Malim, brother of
Amr the ruler of Baghdad, and said: "Let us try to enter the (land of the) Alans
and seize it". They summoned natives from court [77] and asked them: "Is
there any among you who has entered through these gates into the land of the
Alans?" One of them responded: "Often have I entered the land of the Alans".
Ahmat said: "What sort of land lies within?" The man said: "The country is
filled with every blessing. It has much gold, glorious garments, noble horses,
metal weapons tempered in the blood of reptiles60, cuirasses of mail, and
precious stones".
When Ahmat heard all this, he was eager to enter through the pass. Opening
it, 70,000 entered. At this news the Alans gathered their troops, took control of
70,000: 30,000 just above and in LEWOND.
30,000 in LEWOND.
56 This second attack and the submission of Cenbakur do not appear in Lewond.
57 LEWOND, ch. 12, indicates that the Muslims withdrew when faced by the Xazars.
58 JUANSER, ch. 3, gives details about Alexander's (legendary) foray into the Caucasus
but does not refer to the pass of Darband in this regard. The Armenian PSEUDOCALLISTHENES has no mention of Alexander going to the Caucasus.
59 LEWOND indicates that Maslama captured Darband, but does not refer to the Pass
of the Alans.
60 Cf. the lance of Arsak, also tempered by the blood of snakes, in M.X. II.9.
54
55
193
the defiles on the roads, and bottled them up in a narrow place. They began to
slaughter them mercilessly. The Persian generals Ahmat and Malim suffered
severe wounds and fell from their horses. With two hundred men they got out
through the Caucasus (Kovkas), escaping by the skin of their teeth and taking
refuge in the city of Darband. In this fashion the army of the Alans slaughtered
the army of the Taciks, and then the Taciks returned in great shame 61 .
Once more Malim, brother of Amr the ruler of Baghdad, and Ahmat their
general gathered another army and set out to attack the Roman empire. Amr
said to Ahmat: "Twice you have consumed the resources of the Taciks, causing
damage and the loss of warriors" 62 . Ahmat said: "Listen, king Amr. If I do
not bring the Roman emperor before you in iron bonds, make me a laughingstock". The ruler Amr said: "Go, and may God grant you success".
He marched to the empire of the Romans and captured all the land. He
reached the shore of the Pontus Sea, and with fire burned the entire country.
Descending, they encamped opposite the city of Constantinople in the city
called Chrysopolis (Xrsoypolis)63. He sent (a message) by letter in these terms:
"O Leo, emperor of the Romans, have you not heard that I have ravaged all
your land, and you were unable to oppose me? [79] Now heed me. In ten days I
shall organise ships and come to attack you. I shall pillage the city of your
habitation; and your church, whose name you call Saint Sophia (Sop'i), I shall
make a bath-house for my troops. The so-called wood of the Cross, before
which you shamelessly fall down and worship, I shall split over your head. And
I shall lead you in iron bonds before my ruler Amr. Do not be deceived. I shall
not be satisfied with treasure or with other things, but I shall do what I have
promised".
When they brought the message to the emperor Leo, he summoned the
patriarch of the city whose name was John (Ohanes)64, a just man who feared
the Lord, and also all his magnates; and he had the message read before them.
He said to them: "What answer shall I make?" Then the patriarch John began
to speak and said: "O emperor, hear what I have to say to you. The message
which is written in this letter resembles the letter of Rap'sak the servant of
Senek'erim, king of Assyria, who sent word and insulted the living God 65 .
Hezekiah (Ezekiay), the king in Jerusalem, took the letter in his hand and
entered the temple of God which king Solomon had built. He spread out the
letter before God and spoke as follows: 'Bend down, Lord, your ear and listen;
open. Lord, your eyes and see the words of Rap'sak, whom his lord Senek'erim
sent to insult the living God'. God heard the prayers of Hezekiah the king in
61 LEWOND (ch. 12) refers to the Muslim retreat from the land of the Huns, and at a
later date T'.A. (III. 10) describes the resistance of the Canars; but a defeat by the Alans
does not figure in other Armenian sources.
62 I.e. the previous defeats at the hands of the Cen and the Huns.
63 The attack on Constantinople is based on the description in LEWOND (ch. 20),
which is abbreviated in ASOLIK (end of Bk. 11). Neither historian refers to Chrysopolis.
04 John: Neither LEWOND nor ASOLIK name the patriarch, who at the time of this
attack in 717 was Germanos. His predecessor was John VI (712-715).
65 The author of the Tale expands on the account in LEWOND, which is based on IV
Kings, ch. 19.
194
R.W.THOMSON
Jerusalem; and that night the angel of God descended and slew 185,000
warriors from the camp of Senek'erim, king of the Babylonians. Stricken with
shame, the fierce Senek'erim returned to Damascus. [81] He made many threats
against Hezekiah, saying: 'You will see me returning another time in order to
put a rope around your neck and lead you to Babylon'. But Hezekiah, the just
man, answered the messenger of king Senek'erim: 'Yesterday you boasted and
despised the living God, and you received the recompense which your army
suffered without sword or bow, and your corpses were numberless. So be silent
and do not brag over me; the Lord God is able to save me from your hands'.
'Senek'erim went to Damascus, and while he was worshipping the idols of
Asruk' 6 6 two of his sons, Amalek and Sanasar, killed him with a sword. They
themselves fled to their elder brother, who was called Azugan 6 7 . So, my lord
emperor, make this response to the letter of Ahmat: 'If you had summoned me
to war, it would have been necessary for me to go out and fight, as every king
of any nation. But you despised the living God and the sign of his holy Cross
and the temple (dedicated to) his name. So be prepared, for you come roaring
against our Lord God, yet can you resist his invincible power? It is sufficient
for you that you burned with fire the Roman empire. Turn back and go your
way; do not test our Lord God".
(Ahmat) read the letter of Leo, emperor of the Romans, and wrote back an
answer in these terms: "I have realised your powerlessness in that you were
unable to wage war against my troops, for they are numberless like the sand by
the shore of the Ocean sea. Behold, I am coming to see whether your God
whom you worship will conquer me" 68 .
Then the Roman emperor Leo, rising from his throne, fell before the holy
Cross and said: "I beg you, [83] divinely powerful holy wood, as Moses
drowned the arrogant Pharaoh (P'arawon) in the depths of the sea, (so do) you,
holy wood. You are more powerful than the rod of Moses; for that was an
example of you previously 69 . But you, tinted with the pure blood of the lamb
of God (who was) a protective light above you, with that holy blood have dyed
us and given us a victorious weapon against our oppressors. So we have come
in need of your help. Hear, Lord our God, from heaven, from your holy
(place), and send your invisible assistance through your holy Cross, and
overcome the rebel against your Son who arrogantly blasphemes the glory of
your holy Cross and the temple of the glory of your name in which is sacrificed
your anointed, Christ our God. We have come in need of your help, lest
perchance the heathen may boast and say: 'Where is their God?' 70 But you are
a jealous Lord, your anger will blaze up like fire".
66 Asruk': Nesrak' in IV K 19.37; the initial n has been identified with the demonstrative suffix and added to the previous word. D.-M.'s Russian rendering "Assyrian" is
interpretive rather than accurate.
67 Azugan does not appear in the biblical account. Sanasar's brother Adramalek has
been identified with the better known enemy of Moses, Amalek.
68 There is no response to Leo's letter in LEWOND.
69 This prayer is not in Lewond. The reference to the rod of Moses as an example
(awrinak, type) is taken from the letter of Leo in LEWOND, ch. 20.
70 Joel 2.17, with parallels in the Psalms.
195
He called the patriarch John and said: "Summon the clergy of the church al1
together to Saint Sophia, and keep vigil this night; for tomorrow the enemy will
attack this city, since they have prepared many ships". The patriarch came to
Saint Sophia; lighting lamps and candles, all the clergy kept vigil the whole
length of the night until the morning 71 .
They sounded the trumpet in the camp of the infidels and began to attack the
city. Then the emperor Leo lifted the holy Cross onto his shoulder and went to
the edge of the sea, followed by the patriarch John, all the bishops, priests, and
deacons, and all the clergy and the populace of the city, old men and children,
youths and maidens. Everyone took the Cross in his hand, and they cried out in
unison: "Hear us, Lord, hear us and have mercy". The ships of the foreigners 72
approached. When they were close to the seashore, [85] about an arrow's shot
away, the emperor took the holy Cross that he was holding and smote the
water three times; then he raised up the Cross in face of the ships. Immediately
a strong wind came forth by the power of the holy Cross73, and this holy force
struck the ships and the waters. The sea became turbulent and the waves rose
as high as heaven. It made the ships of the foreigners strike against each other
and dash against the walls of the city. There remained not a single ship which
was not destroyed. Then the citizens went out, took all the booty of the
foreigners, their arms and clothing, and put them (the Muslims) to the sword.
However, Ahmat and Malim and about (fifty men) 74 remained on one
damaged ship, which brought them to an uninhabited island 7 5 . The captains
came and told the emperor: "There are foreigners on an island called Xortasawn". But the king restrained them, saying: "Be silent for twenty days, and
then go and bring them". When the ships went there, they found about thirty
persons, because they had sacrificed and eaten twenty of their slaves, and
thereby survived 76 . They brought Ahat and Malim to the city. The emperor
said: "Ahmat, do you see the power of Christ's Cross and of my holy church
which you blasphemed?" Ahmat said: "I have recognised the power of your
God to be so great that no mortal can withstand your Cross. Now if you wish,
release me and Malim, and where we go we shall relate the invincible battles
and power of Christ's Cross".
The emperor led them into the great church, into Saint Sophia, and there
showed them the precious Cross of Christ. Falling down, Malim and Mahmet
worshipped it 7 7 . [87] The emperor gave them treasures and robes, horses and
mules, and wrote a letter to Amr, ruler of the Persians in Baghdad, and sent
them on their way.
7'
LEWOND only refers to prayers in Saint Sophia before Leo wrote his response.
Foreigners: aylazgi, a common term for Muslims; it is based on the description of
the Philistines, enemies of Israel, in the Old Testament.
13 For a powerful wind raised by the power of the Cross, cf. Aa #813.
74 There is no number in the text after "about". The rest of the paragraph makes the
sense clear.
72
75
LEWOND refers to survivors being driven by the storm to Thrace.
LEWOND also refers to the Muslim survivors resorting to cannibalism.

77 LEWOND does not claim this! He merely says that Maslama promised not to wage
war against the emperor any more.
76
196
R.W.THOMSON
When they reached the land of the Taciks, (people) came out of the cities and
abused Malim and Ahmat; they scattered ashes before them, saying: "O Ahmat
and Malim, you have widowed all the houses of the Taciks". They came to the
city of Baghdad. And Amr, ruler of Baghdad, said: "What have you done
Ahmat, and you Malim? Why did you cause all the warriors to perish?" Ahmat
said: "Our war was not against flesh or blood. Who can relate their infinite
strength, the power of their holy Cross?" Then Malim, brother of Amr, made a
vow not to ride on a horse until the day of his death 78 .
Another year Ahmat, son of Mahmet, gathered many troops, intending to
attack Armenia. On hearing of this the Armenian princes were struck with fear;
they implored the holy patriarch Sahak 79 , saying: "Holy lord, the destruction
of Armenia and of the see of the Illuminator, our saint Gregory, has arrived.
So have pity on the holy churches. Arise; go to meet him and take the letter of
Mahmet his father and their legislator. Perhaps the Lord God will see our
anxiety and through your labour will bring us to safety". He replied: [89] "I am
weak and feeble in body; yet although death approaches, I must go". They
equipped Hamazasp from the house of Hamakar 80 , gave him horses and
garments, and sent him off with Sahak the holy patriarch of Armenia. They
proceeded as far as Xaran, where illness overcame the holy patriarch Sahak. He
wrote his last (testament) as follows:
"This is a letter of my own hand, of Sahak patriarch of Armenia, to the
Persian general Ahmat. I was sent by my nation to meet you; but he who is the
gathering place of souls 81 has called me to him. I did not have time to see your
face. But I have the letter of Mahmet your father and your legislator which
obliges my nation to pay you tribute and to serve loyally and to obey as is right
(to obey) lords 82 . On your part, you must accept the tribute and obedience,
and not become angry or increase83 the dues of my nation like that of your
enemies, since they are not at war with you. You must care for our land as (if it
were) yours. And if anyone attacks my country, they will call on you and you
will help them and extricate their land from the hands of their oppressors so
that you and your army may enjoy in peace the tribute and taxes which they
will give you, and you will be successful against your enemies. So if your heart
is softened and you do what I ask of you, God will confirm the throne of your
rule, and the blessing of your father Ismayel will come upon you, which God
declared, saying: "This Ismayel will become a great nation and [91] his hand
78 This paragraph is much elaborated from Lewond's account. There Maslama is said
not to have girded a sword for the rest of his life.
79 This famous episode describing Sahak's journey and dying letter is placed before
Maslama's attack on Constantinople in LEWOND (ch. 9). Cf. also ASOLIK, II 2, J.K., p. 96,
VARDAN, p. 71-2, KIRAKOS, p. 63-4.
80 This Hamzasp and Hamakar are not attested elsewhere.
81 Cf. Matt. 3.12; Lk. 3.17.
82 On p. 73 above Muhammad's subjection of Armenia is described. That Muhammad
himself made a pact with the Armenians is mentioned by Samuel of Ani and later writers;
see THOMSON, 1986-n, p. 842. This is not in Lewond.
83 Increase: the text reads awirel (to destroy), which I have emended to awerel.
197
(will be) over his enemies like the punishing rod. His men (will be) lords and his
women princesses, and you will eat the fat of the land" 84 . So if you carry out
my request, that same blessing will be confirmed for you. But if you are
presumptuous in anger and dismiss my words, the Lord God will turn the
hearts of your united warriors against you, and the paths of your feet will not
succeed, and the Lord God will humiliate you in front of your enemies, and
you will not be able to wage war. The hands of your warriors will slacken, their
bows will shatter 85 , their weapons will be powerless to wound your enemies,
the horses of your army will lose their courage and be unable to go their way
and take the booty which you seek. Such will be your condition. So choose the
one of these (alternatives) which your heart prefers".
Having written this, he rendered up his holy ghost into God's hand. Then
Hamazasp, who had accompanied him, and his disciples, holy men wearing
hair-shirts and very ascetic, made a coffin for him, embalmed his body, and
placed it in the coffin 86 .
On the sixth day Ahmat arrived and entered Xaran with many troops.
Hamazasp and some of his (Sahak's) disciples went to meet Mahmet 8 7 . Ahmat
saw them and realised that the holy Sahak, patriarch of Armenia, had died. He
said. "If he were alive, he would have had to come to me. But now I must go to
him". Reaching the spot where the saint of God lay, he descended from his
carriage, sat down in front of the coffin, and ordered the letter to be read.
When he heard the bidding of the saint which had been written in the letter, he
rose up, [93] approached the coffin, and taking the patriarch's right hand,
kissed it. He began to speak as if to a living man, saying: "I have recognized
your wisdom from your message. For the wisdom of a man is known from his
letter. You came as a good shepherd sent by your nation; you did not fear to
oppose my arrogant heart. So if I fail in one item of your requests, your curse
will come upon me. But if I carry out your commands, your blessing will be
confirmed upon me".
He ordered golden robes and sweet oils to be brought; he embalmed the
saint's body and prepared a golden carriage and white mules 88 . Summoning
Hamazasp before him, he said: "Do you see this vast army? If this honourable
and holy man had not come, I was intending to bring much destruction on
Armenia. But now that I have heard the contents of his letter, the anger of my
heart has been appeased, and I reckoned him as my father, the saint of God;
84 The explicit quotation expands on the text of LEWOND. Cf. Gen. 21.18 (Hagar's son
will become a great nation); but "fat on the land" is from Gen. 27.28, where Isaac blesses
Jacob. "Lords and princesses" and "punishing rod" do not appear to be biblical
expressions in this context.
85 Ps. 36.15. Most of the expressions in this passage have too many biblical parallels
for one verse to be singled out as the source.
86 This paragraph expands on LEWOND.
87 The English follows the variant forms of the name.
88 For a golden carriage and white mules (in which Gregory rides from Armenia to
Caesarea) cf. Aa # 803.
198
R.W THOMSON
and I confirmed the deed of my legislator 89 and father Mahmet. I have

remitted the taxes of three years 90 for Armenia because of this holy patriarch.
He is a just and true servant of God". He made peace and returned to the city
of Baghdad.
Then Amr, ruler of Baghdad, died and his nephew Apu-Ali reigned 91 .
Ahmat, being very old at that time, died.
T'eot'os Rstuni from the house of Manacel governed Armenia 92 . [95] He
controlled Armenia for forty-five years, he sent his son Yard to the land of the
Romans, and he cancelled the tribute which the Armenians paid to the
Romans 93 . But they paid to the Taciks, because the house of Persia had grown
strong and had conquered the house of Baghdad, and Hurmiztpak'ar 94 reigned
over the house of Persia. He gathered an army and attacked the land of
Vaspurakan. He wrought much damage in the land of Cvas; Geram, Artas,
Hac'iwn, and Kogovit he entirely burned; and he took the castle of Arcap'k'.
Many women who were there he took captive. Then T'eodos in pursuit
overtook them at the bank of the river Erasx; many of them he slew and the
others he put to flight. He won back the booty that they had taken, and
returned a multitude of captives 95 .
Again another year they attacked Armenia and took much plunder; and they
were unable to remove it. The nation of the Persians grew strong, and gave no
respite to the land of Armenia. T'eodos Rstuni was cast into doubt. Then the
pain of sickness overtook him. He sent and summoned his son Yard, because
Constantine the Roman emperor 96 had made him patrician and had honoured
him with greater rank than all his magnates of Egypt. At that time Constantine
the Roman emperor held Egypt, for he had conquered the sons of AH born
from Fatima, Aputalip and his brother Ap'ran 97 . He took Egypt, but he was
unable to capture Jerusalem, which the Roman emperor Maurice had restored98.
89 Legislator: lit. "non-legislator". "Legislator" (here awrinatu, often awrensdir) is a
very common expression for Muhammad in Armenian authors. Here a scribe has added
the negative prefix an- before the word as an explicit insult.
90 LEWOND says that Muhammad ibn-Merwan kept quiet for three years, not that he
remitted taxes, and that he invaded Armenia and the Armenians submitted.
91 Umar n was succeeded by Yazid II, 720-724.
92 The author jumps back to the previous century. Theodore ftstuni, having been
presiding prince of Armenia for the Byzantine emperor from 645-653, made a treaty with
Muawiya; he died in 656. Manacir figures prominently as prince of the ftstuni house in
M.X., esp. Ill 6-7.
93 LEWOND says nothing of this journey.
94 D.-M. thinks that this may be a corruption of Hormizd ark'ay, whom she identifies
with Hormizd iv, shah 579-590. It is not clear what the author of the Tale means by the
house of Persia conquering the house of Baghdad, since it was the Muslims who overcame
the Sasanians.
95 This paragraph is based on LEWOND, ch. 3, which describes Theodore's success
against the Muslims.
96 Constans II (641-68). SEBEOS, p. 145, says that he appointed Theodore "general",
not patrician.
97 This is very fanciful. Ali's sons were named Hasan and Husayn.
98 Cf. p. 49-51.
199
When Yard the patrician reached his father T'eodos, the latter was weakened
by his pains". He said: "My blessed son Yard, [97] you have arrived on the
day of my death". He sat down and described ail the honours which Constantine, the Roman emperor, son of Leo, had bestowed on him. T'eodos said:
"Listen, my son, I am going on the journey from which I shall not return. Do
not disregard what I tell you. Cut the pact which you have with Rome, and
make a pact with the ruler of Persia, for they are your neighbours. And the
tribute which is to be paid to the Roman empire, give to the Persian empire.
Obey them, and the land of Armenia will prosper". When he had said this, his
soul departed and he died 100 .
After this there was war between the Persian empire and the Roman empire.
Yard the patrician sent (a message) to the ruler of the Persians and made a pact
with him, saying: "Prepare your army and go to the Roman empire; and I shall
deliver them into your hands, and you will strike them as you will" 101 .
They made a true compact with each other. Then Sahak, son of Hurmizt the
ruler of Persia, gathered many troops, reached the Roman empire, plundered
Theodosiopolis which is the city of Karin and Derjan and Ekeleac'.
Reaching Koloneia (Kolaniay), he camped on the bank of the river. Yard the
patrician sent (word) to Sahak, son of king Hurmizd: "I shall go and bring the
Roman emperor and make them camp on the bank of the river. I shall have a
bridge erected and bring over all the warriors to this side, and shall order the
crossing of the bridge to be guarded. When they cross over [99] to your side of
the river, flee before them. They will confidently pursue you. Then turn around
and fall upon them. I shall cut the cables of the bridge, and in this way you will
smite them".
Yard the patrician went to the Roman emperor and said: "Stop the flow of
the Gayl river 102 above the bridge, and have the warriors pass over to that
side, and let your elite men guard the bridge. For if the Persian (army) defeats
them and they flee, they will find the bridge ready and will pass to this side of
the river". The emperor Constantine 103 did everything that Yard the patrician
told him; he had about 30,000 men cross to that side of the river. And he said
to Yard the patrician: "You guard the cables of this bridge". The Persian army
fled before them. But in many places Persian troops lay in ambush, and they
turned on the Roman soldiers and defeated them. These rushed in flight to
cross the bridge. And since Yard was guarding the bridge, he pulled down (the
cables) and the bridge fell, while he himself went over to the Persians. Many of
the Roman troops were killed on that day; and the Persian army returned with
a great victory, accompanied by Yard the patrician.
99 SEBEOS, p. 172, 174, describes Theodore's illness and .death; but he has no reference
to Vard.
100 This is much expanded on the brief notice in LEWOND, ch. 4, that Theodore
advised Vard to change sides.
101 LEWOND describes briefly the deceit played by Vard, and Vardan (p. 68) devotes
one sentence to this episode. Neither J.K. nor ASOLIK mention it.
102 According to LEWOND the bridge was over the Euphrates river in Syria. Koloneia
is on the Gayl (Lykos, the modern Kelkit).
103 I.e. Constans 11, as p. 95, n. 94.
200
R.W. THOMSON
On coming to the land of Vaspurakan, Yard the patrician entered his palace
called Mahares, which was near the lake of Rstunik' 104 . [101] Staying there a
few days he saw an amazing dream' 5 : he was in the midst of a sea of blood, a
heavy iron (weight) was suspended from his feet, they were dragging him
towards a deep place, and he was near to drowning. He woke up, terrified, and
shouted out in horror, so that all the courtiers were frightened. When it was
morning he summoned the bishop, whose name was Gregory (Grigorios) 106 .
When he came, Yard fell before him, burst into tears, and said: "My lord, I saw
my own destruction; for I know that I have committed many impieties and
have shed an immeasurable amount of Roman blood. Now I have seen with my
own eyes a dream about a lake: the lake of blood was near to us, I was bound
in the middle of it with iron bonds on my feet, and I was near to drowning;
then I woke up suddenly. Behold, I am terrified, I cannot sleep or blink my
eyes". "O Yard, you are a warrior and of good repute. Why did you commit
such great crimes and treachery, which no man had ever done? Does such great
shedding of blood, which you fearlessly spilt, seem insignificant to you?"
Yard the patrician said: "Your words are true, for I know the crimes that I
have committed, especially those revealed in my dream; I am terrified and
shudder. But now what means of repentence have I for my evil deeds?" The
bishop said: "Send and call the hermit who dwells on the mountain called
Toros" 107 . He sent and summoned the holy man; when he came before him, he
fell at his feet and wept. (The hermit) said: "Do not weep. God is able to save
you, and you can pay the debt. Since the Lord God wished to redeem you
mercifully, he showed you clearly your danger while you are still in the body.
[103] He took and pinned you down with your fear. Make an effort and do not
delay in extricating youself from the great (amount of) blood which was shed of
those whose cause of destruction was yourself. Yard the patrician said to the
hermit: "Tell me, saint of God, what remedy is there for my impiety? I would
willingly expiate my trespasses". The man of God replied: "I tell you, Patrician,
you have no means of removing this stain of blood except by the blood of
Christ. Perchance he will free you from these tremendous crimes".
The patrician said to the blessed hermit, whose name was Simeon 108 : "Now
tell me, what means are there to do what you say?" The hermit said: "O
Patrician, the land of Vaspurakan is prosperous, as you see, and you have
many treasures. Build as many churches as you wish so that they may offer the
liturgy for your sins, and then you will be released from that great amount of
blood of innocent men that you shed". The patrician said: "If thereby I shall be
saved, I shall build many churches. But tell me, saint of God, in whose name
shall I build my churches that I shall construct?" He said: "Hear, my son.
First (for) the blood which redeemed the world, which Christ shed for the race
104 T.A., III.29, refers to the former palace of Yard at a village called Mahrast,
opposite Ostan.
105 This dream and the expiation of Yard's crime are not mentioned in other sources.
106 This Gregory is not otherwise attested.
107 Toros: a confusion of the mountain range with Mt. Artos near Van; cf. T'.A., IV.6.
108 This Simeon is not otherwise known.
201
of mankind; and then for the first deacon and first martyr of Christ, sainl
Stephen (Step'annos). In his name build churches throughout all provinces, in
castles and villages, that the celebration of the liturgy may be assured".
He numbered the castles and villages, one thousand inhabited places, and he
began to found churches. He said to the blessed hermit: "I wish that I had a
portion of the relics of saint Stephen, and thereby could bless the churches that
I intend to build". The hermit Simeon said: "O Patrician, you begin to build
the churches, and I shall rise up and go to Jerusalem. [105] Perchance God,
who is liberal with his gifts, will have mercy, grant success, and give (me) a
portion of the relics of saint Stephen".
Immediately the hermit Simeon arose and set out, and came to the city of
Jerusalem 109 . Going to the martyrium of saint Stephen, he ministered there for
three years. By God's providence there was there a servitor of the relics of the
holy martyr of Christ Stephen. (To him saint Stephen) said: "In return for the
ascetic labour of that man, give him a portion of my bones and let him go; for
many churches are being built in my name in Armenia". He awoke from sleep,
called the blessed Simeon, and said: "Tell me, brother, whence are you?" He
said: "From the foreign land of Armenia". He said: "Tell me the truth; are
you performing these ascetic practices for your soul's sake, or because of a
different vow?" He said: "I am here to pray because of my sins". The sacristan
said to that holy hermit 1 1 0 : "Do not lie, brother. This night the holy martyr of
Christ revealed to me the reason for your ascetic practice. For the holy martyr
of Christ said concerning you: 'Give a portion of my relics to that man who is
wearing himself out; for many churches have been built in my name in the land
of Armenia'". Astonished, the hermit replied: "You are right, for that reason I
labour". Then he gave him a part of the holy relics, sent him on his way, and
wrote for the patrician all the vision that he had seen.
When the man of God Simeon arrived, taking the relic of the holy saint he
blessed all the churches, and fasted for forty days because of the vision. Many
bishops and priests kept vigil; and while they were keeping vigil the patrician
saw the same vision that he saw before, when he was in the middle of the sea of
blood. He also saw about one thousand priests, [107] as many as the number of
churches, grasping both his hands, and the hermit Simeon cut the chains from
his feet and threw them into the depths of the sea; and like the flight of an
eagle they brought him to the fountain which was beside his palace. Taking the
water they washed off the blood on his body, dressed him in white garments,
and put a crown of glory on his head.
Waking up in the middle of the night, the patrician called the bishop Gregory
and the blessed Simeon, and told them what he had seen. They gave thanks to
benevolent God. Taking his treasures he distributed them to the poor. And as
109
For Armenian pilgrimages to Jerusalem see Thomson, 1986-1, and STONE, 1982,
ch. 2.
110 Hermit: The Armenian text has vkayin (martyr), which D.-M. emends to miaynakec'in. The sense is clear.
202
R.W. THOMSON
long as he lived, he wore a small hair (shirt) under his clothing as far as his
elbows; and no one was able to discover this until the day of his death 111 .
In his days was revealed the holy cross on the mountain of Varag 1 1 2 , and it
was the year 200 of the Armenian era (751 AD)' 13.
Part II
[109] The patrician lived for eighty years and then died; his son Muset
survived 1 1 4 , but he was not in the likeness of his father.
Then there was rivalry in the house of Armenia. For they did not wish the
house of Manac'' 5 to rule, and they divided the land of Armenia between the
Bagratunik' and the Arcrunik'. The house of the Bagratunik' held as their
portion of Armenia the northern part, whose name was Bagrat 1 1 6 ; the house of
the Arcrunik' held the region of Vaspurakan.
There were two brothers (in the Arcruni family): Gagik and Smbat. This
Gagik improved the province of Halbak. And he had three sons: one called
Asot, the second Grigor, and the other Hamazasp. (The last) had a son, and
they called his name Asot. Asot had two sons: Gagik and Sahak. But Sahak
had no children; and he had taken to wife Smbatuhi, daughter of Asot
Bagratuni 1 1 7 .
Smbatuhi begged her husband Sahak, saying: "I wish you to let me go on a
vow to the hermitage of Asoy 1 1 8 [111] and ceaselessly implore the father, the
holy Grigorios 11 ", that he may beg the holy martyrs that God may give us a
child. Then we shall dedicate him to the Lord God". Sahak said: "Your
proposal is good".
Rising up, Sahak and his wife Smbatuhi took white oxen and holy white
lambs for the churches 120 , and said to the father Grigor: "Keep vigil this night
1 1 1 JOHN MAMIKONEAN, ch. 1, refers to Yard's building many churches and monasteries; but he has no reference to this motivation.
112 For this relic see also below, p. 125, 149. The first historian to mention the relic of
the Cross at Varag is MATTHEW OF EDESSA, p. 9. Its origin is described in the History of
the Holy Hfip'simeanc', wrongly ascribed to MOVSES XORENAC'I. For further details and
the later history of the relic see OSKEAN, 1940, p. 268-339.
113 The year 200 of the Armenian era began on 23 May, 751. Yard's deceit occurred in
653 or 654. He is attested at the battle of Vardanakert in 703 (LEWOND ch. 8); but his
supposed eighty years could hardly bring him to the mid-eighth century.
114 Muset, son of Yard, is only attested here.
1 1 5 I.e. Manacir, p. 93, n. 92.
1 1 6 The origin of Bagrat is a major theme of the History of M.X. The rivalry of the
houses of the Bagratunik' and the Arcrunik' is reflected in the works of J.K. and T'.A.
111 The genealogy presented here is quite at variance with that in T'.A.
1 1 8 Asoy: This is a genitive form; it should be Asatay (as on the next page). D.-M.
suggests that the monastery of Asat is identical with that of the Holy Cross on the river
Atbak, dedicated to saint Bartholomew. The holy martyr to which the monastery is
dedicated is not named.
1 1 " Gregory of the monastery of Asat is only attested in this text.
1 2 0 Cf. Aa #22 for the offering of white oxen.
203
with psalms and prayers, and request God and this holy martyr that he may
visit (us) and grant us a male child; and we shall dedicate him to the Lord all
the days of his life". Father Grigor and his monks prayed; for he had many
ascetics, righteous men.
Then they returned to their palace. The Lord God did visit them, because his
wife Smbatuhi conceived and bore a male child. The father and mother took
the child to the monastery of Asat to the blessed Grigor. Baptising the child,
they called his name after saint Grigor 121 . They raised the child. And when it
was time, they brought him to the monastery, bringing many offerings with
them, garments and shoes for the monks.
The princess Smbatuhi offered the child to the holy father Grigorios, saying:
"Lord, receive -this child from my bosom; like Samuel in olden times 1 2 2 I
dedicate him to the Lord all the days of his life". His father Sahak called the
child Deren, which means "son of a monastery" 123 .
When the child grew up and had been instructed, the abbot of the monastery
vested him with a monk's garment. When the young man was about thirty
years old 1 2 4 and has learned all the rituals and possessed a fine voice, then
father Grigor wished to bestow on him the rank of priesthood.
[113] Now in that monastery there was a beautiful girl, the niece of father
Grigor, and he had vested her in the garment of a n u n 1 2 5 . It happened one day
that the young Deren and the youthful nun were gathering lentils outside the
monastery. Deren became passionately desirous of the maiden; he suddenly
seized her and forced her to do his will.
When the abbot of the monastery learned of this, he sent to prince Sahak,
the youth's father, and said: "Do you see what this youth has done? He cannot
live in the monastery, for lambs of the church cannot resist young lions. He has
ravaged the lamb of the church which I raised with much labour".
Then his father, prince Sahak, took the young man and married him to the
daughter of the prince of Siunik'. Deren had a son whom he called Asot. Asot
had three sons: the eldest he called Grigor Deren, the next Gagik, and the third
Hamazasp. The three brothers divided the land of Vaspurakan: Van, which is
in the province of Tosp, was Grigor Deren's portion; the next brother, Gagik,
had the castle of Kayan and the fortress of Totor and the province of Cuas;
while the youngest, Hamazasp, had the house of Hatbak 126 .
He 1 2 7 was a liberal and lively man; no other man was like him on the face of
121 I.e. the Illuminator, though he does not seem to be the patron saint of this
monastery.
122 Cf. Hannah's dedication of Samuel, I Kings, ch. I.
123 The Continuator to T'.A. offers a similar etymology for Derenik: "sought by vows
from the Lord". It seems to be based on the Syriac daira, "monastery".
124 The 30 years are reminiscent of David when he began to rule (n Kings 5.4) and of
Jesus when he began to preach (Lk. 3.23), but are not associated with Samuel.
1 2 5 N u n : hawatawor. For this meaning of the word ("having faith") see THOMSON,
1982, p. 65, n. 2.
126 For a threefold division of Vaspurakan among Arcruni brothers cf. T'.A. III.22.
Totor should be corrected to Kotor.
127 I.e. Deren.
204
R.W. THOMSON
the earth, neither of the greatest nor of the least. He had a servant from the
house of the Gnunik' whose name was Gorg Zafran 1 2 8 . He lived in the palace
at Van. And when it was time for dinner he would come down to the square of
Van, sit there at table, and would invite to sit down the men who were passing
on their ways; so he ate and drank with the citizens, the best and the worst.
[115] Everyone used to come and sit at his table, and there was no limit to the
food and drink.
However, he began to grow needy; then his brothers mocked him for losing
all his goods that his ancestors had amassed, including the herds and flocks. So
he began to sell the land which he possessed to his brothers; he received the
price of the castles and the treasures of the villages. (These too) he ate and
drank, not abandoning his habitual nature as long as he was in possession of
his city called Van.
Then his brother Gagik came, gave him treasures, splendid garments, horses
and mules, and bought the city of Van. He did not leave (him) a single one of
his palaces in which to live. When it was morning the habitues used to come:
trumpet-players, lyre-players, harp-players, and actors 129 , and they played
before him. He had no thoughts or care for his nobility like his ancestors130,
but only ate and drank.
Then the groups of his nobles abandoned him; some went to Gagik his
brother, and some to Hamazasp. And when they heard (about him), they
mocked him. Of his soldiers and nobles there remained not one with him, save
only his servant Zafran who was from the house of the Gnunik'.
Deren became poor and had nothing left save only two horses: one for
himself and one for Zafran his servant. One day, on a Sunday, Deren said to
Gorg Zafran: "Today we have no amusement. Tell me, what shall we do?" He
replied: "Today take my horse, and my robes, and my cuirass, and my helmet,
and sell them today; but let not your customary table go lacking. Then
tomorrow we shall do what God has prepared". So that day they prepared
their meal [117] according to their custom, and made merry until evening. Then
everyone went to his home, and Deren was left alone with Zafran his servant,
and one usher, and one wine-pourer, and no one else.
Deren and Zafran his servant sat down and decided: "Tomorrow we shall
sell Deren's horse and robes, and prepare a meal early". While they were
planning this, a man came along the road. Seeing the light of candles, he came
and sat by the door of the tent. Deren called him and said: "Who are you, and
why have you come?" But he could not respond because he was a Tacik by
race.
Zafran went and seized him, and brought him to Deren in the tent. He spoke
with him in the Tacik tongue 131 for Deren had learned the language of the
Gorg Zafran is not attested elsewhere in Armenian sources.
Actors: xalarar. The word is not in the NBH and according to Arm B is only
found here. The reference is not to organised theatre but to groups of entertainers. See
p. 121 at n. 139 for other terms used for entertainers in this connection.
130 The social duties of lords to their nobles are frequently stressed by T.A.; cf. III.2.
131 For Arabic as the Tacik language cf. T'.A. II.5.
128
129
205
Taciks and said: "Where do you come from?" He said: "I come from
Asorestan, and I cannot speak since they have wounded me in many places. But
if it is possible, please God, put a salve on my wounds". Then Deren opened
the wounds on his head and hands, and placed ointment on the wounds for
he was skilled in the medical arts 132 and he asked him no more questions
and no less.
He placed before him the table and a cup, and greatly honoured him, so that
the man was astonished at his kindness. For he put the cup into his hand, and
Deren took the lyre and diverted him, and he greatly cared for him. For Deren
was a lively man, friendly, cordial, and compassionate.
When it was morning, the foreigner arose and said: "O good man, you are
more kind than any other man I have ever seen. For you did not ask me
whence I came or whither I was going". Then the foreigner said: "I am the king
of the Babylonians. To our city Baghdad came foreigners from the West called
Arabs 133 . I went out to oppose them in war, [119] but my troops deceived me
and rebelled. So I came here in flight, since it was impossible to enter my city
Baghdad. I have decided to go to the land of Xorasan, because my sister is the
wife of the king of Xorasan, Apuhuris, who is the king of the land of Gund 134 .
On the journey my servants abandoned me, so I turned towards the prince
Deren, who they say is lord of this city. When I was in my city of Baghdad,
they told stories in my presence about the liberality of that man. So when my
servants left me, I decided to come to him in the hope that he might give me a
horse and a man to guide me to the East, so that 1 may go to my brother-inlaw. I shall receive from him an army and much treasure and I shall come to
wage war with my enemies and expell them from my city Baghdad. I beg you,
my good man, lead me before Deren, so that he may provide for my journey;
and may the God whom you worship 135 he good to you".
Deren looked at Zafran and laughed. But (the foreigner) was pained and
said: "Do not laugh, I beg you; lead me to him". Then Deren said: "Deren is
not here, but I shall take care of you, wherever you wish (to go)". He said: "Do
not lie; I have heard that he is here". He replied: "He is not here". Then seizing
his hand, he kissed it and said: "Swear that Deren is not here". He replied:
"Why should I swear? I am the Deren whom you seek".
In astonishment he said: "Why then were you sitting at the gate of the city?
It is a place of refuge. This city of yours and that high tower, how is it your's?
Tell me" 136 . He related to him everything that he had done; and he was
astonished. Then Deren said: "O great king of the Babylonians, yesterday we
For a general review of medicine in Armenia see OGANESYAN, 1946.
The chronology of this Tale is so confused that it is impossible to date this
rebellion against the caliph if indeed the story is not purely fanciful. The king is named
Ali below, p. 131. Note the medieval plural in -er added to the suffix -ik, giving the form
A rapker.
134 Gund and Xorasan are also identified on p. 71 above.
135 The God whom you worship: The same expression is used by a later caliph to
another Armenian, p. 143.
136 This city ... tell me: Perhaps: "Is this city and that high tower your's? How is it
yours. Tell me".
132
133
206
R.W. THOMSON
sold my servant's horse and made merry. Today we were intending to sell mine.
So arise, mount my horse, put on my robes, and take my sword with you". He
summoned a man [121] who knew the way to Persia, gave him money in
dahekans131, and sent him with him as far as Xorasan.
When he had gone, Deren said to Zafran: "We should not live in this city,
for they jeer and mock us. Come, let us go to the land of Asorestan 138 . For we
shall be in a place where we are unknown, so that we can serve someone and
live".
They set out and came to the city of Mosul (Mosl). Three men were sitting at
the gate of the city; they were drunk and still drinking. The day was turning to
evening, and Deren was fatigued from the journey. He and Zafran came and
sat near them. One of them asked: "Where are you from?" They said: "From
the distant land of Armenia, from Van". On hearing this, they said: "How is
the famous prince they call Deren?" He said: "Well". They made them swear
an oath: "Say, is it true what we hear about him?" Deren said: "What do they
say?" The men of Mosul replied: "Our merchants came and said that Deren
has the custom of pitching his tent on the road which is the main street of the
city. Setting his table early in the morning, all day he invites all passers-by,
good and bad, and the inhabitants of the city. He has many singers and
bards 139 perform until evening, and does not permit anyone to go home. Such
is his custom". He said: "The words you say about that man are true". Then
they said: "Does he act so all the time?" He said: "Yes, what you have said is
true". They were astonished and said: How does he have the means to do
that?" Zafran said: "This is Deren".
They took him to the house where they were to dine that day. [123] They
were three honourable men, respectable citizens, and they had the custom that
one day the three of them would dine with one of them, and another day at
someone else's. They ate and drank, and as far as he was able the one in whose
house they were gave of his possessions. This was their daily custom. When
they had taken Deren to the house of one of them, they seated him with
honour, as was right. They ate and drank, and the master of the house brought
before Deren possessions of his: garments and treasures of gold and silver.
Receiving them, he fastened them, and sealed them with his ring, saying: "Keep
them with you until I come". Then the other friend did likewise. He left each
man's belongings with him, and himself set out for the city of Baghdad.
When they arrived at the city of Baghdad, they entered and went to the city
square 140 . Now the king of Baghdad who had gone to Van and from there
to Xorasan, and taking thence a large army and many treasures had come to
smite his enemies, and had gained control of the city of Baghdad was riding
around in the city square, and others were making merry in his company. On
Money: vary; cf. p. 127 where caxs is used for travel expenses.
I.e. northern Mesopotamia.
139 Bard: gusan, the singers of traditional tales, as in M.X. 1.14. For further references
see DOWSETT, 1961, p. 52, n. 8; to which add JOHN MANDAKUNI, Homily 17.
140 Square: may tan, i.e. the Persian maydan.
137
138
207
seeing Deren and Zafran, the king recognised them. He called one of his
servants and said: "You see those two men. Go to them and bring them to the
royal baths". He himself went to his palace, had his chambers put in order,
summoned his magnates, and embellished his high throne. To Deren he sent a
noble robe woven with gold, and a horse with its equipage. He despatched one
of his magnates to seek Deren. When they had brought him into the palace, the
king rose up before him, embraced and kissed him. He said to all his magnates:
"Do him obeisance". He took him by the hand, led him to his throne and sat
him down. He sat down before him and did not reveal to him who he was. Nor
did Deren recognise him. For eight days he acted thus; every day he gave (him)
splendid robes, [125] horses, mules, many treasures, pearls and precious stones.
When the eighth day came, he gathered all the citizens and summoned
everyone from the greatest to the least. When they had taken their places in the
royal palace, some of them standing, the king rose up, took a cup in his hand,
and said: "Listen, men of this city of Baghdad, my princes and magnates. I
know that you are astonished concerning this man who is sitting on my throne.
Everyone ponders in his mind whether it is right to give such honour to a
foreigner. But he himself is in deeper astonishment because Deren did not know
who I am". When the king had said this, he asked Deren: "Who am I?" Deren
said: "You are the king of the Babylonians, but I do not know your name".
The king stood before him, and would not let him stand up. Then the king of
the Babylonians said: "I shall make you swear on the cross in Varag 141 ; do
you not recognise me"? Deren said: "God knows, and also my holy cross, that
I have not recognised who you are". The king said: "You are Deren, who was
in Van, and this is your servant Zafran". Deren said: "I beg you, king, tell me
where you saw me". The king said: "I am the one who come to you in your
tent, and you received me more (kindly) than any man could do. The whole
house of Baghdad is astonished, and they say (how) I have honoured your
person. But listen, my great nobles and lesser men. I cannot repay the favours
which this man rendered me. Even if I shed my blood and die for him, I am
unable to repay him". Then he described everything that Deren had done, and
said: "Had it not been for him, I would not have survived for a moment. But
he was gracious to me, and thanks to him I recovered this house of Baghdad
and all of Babylon. I tell you, Deren, this land of the Babylonians and the city
of Baghdad shall be subject to you, and all my treasures, and horses, and my
mules, [127] and all my herds of camels shall be subject to you".
Then the king spoke with his magnates and his merchants: "All of you bring
gifts to him". According to each one's ability they all began to bring treasures
of gold and silver, and precious stones. The king gave him many treasures and
noble (horses) and many camels. Honouring him, he said: "Go to your
country; and whichever of my provinces your heart desires, write to me and I
shall give it to you". So he sent him off with great honour. And he gave him
servants (to go) before him and pay for the expenses142 on his journey until
they reached the land of Vaspurakan.
141
142
For the Cross of Varag see above, p. 107, n. 112.

Expenses: caxs see above, p. 121, n. 137.
208
R.W. THOMSON
When they reached Arzun, which is in Mesopotamia, Deren's brothers heard

about all the honours which the king of the Babylonians had bestowed on him,
and they were greatly afraid. They provisioned the castle of Samiram, Van 143 ,
and all fortresses and castles. The two brothers, Gagik and Hamazasp, joined
forces; they collected their troops and intended to do battle with Deren.
The latter sent and gathered all the troops of the land of Asorestan and of
Mesopotamia, about 300,000 men. For he heard that the Persians in Her,
Marand, and Salmast were helping his brothers. They had gathered there with
Gagik and Hamazasp, and proceeded to encamp in the plain called Egis144.
Deren with his large army came up to the plain of Datvan, intending to cross
the T'xajur (river). But then Gagik and Hamazasp sent three bishops to meet
him. They begged him not to bring against Armenia a host of foreign troops.
So they came and besought Deren, and he heeded them. Making an oath, he
summoned his brothers. Trusting him, they came to Deren [129] and saw their
brother honoured by all the land and by the king of the Babylonians.
Deren said to his brothers: "Remain with me until you give into my hands
all the castles, both mine and yours. And then, if it pleases my heart, I shall
give you what I wish in my good-will. But if I find treachery among you, you
will not be able to escape my clutches". He himself sent his faithful servant
Zafran: "Go and rule over my castles and Van; and install (there) your son
Vardevan 145 , and inform me. Then I shall send back the host of troops of
Asorestan".
Zafran went and entered Van. He seized the castles and gave them to his son
Vardan. Likewise he took the castle of Sevan and gave it to his nephew; the
castle of Nkan (he gave) to his uncle, and that of Marandak to his brother-inlaw; that of Simavon and the valley of Xotor in Anjax he gave to his captives.
Having accomplished all this, he sent word to his master 146 Deren.
He picked out 40,000 spearmen 147 , honoured all the rest of the numerous
army and sent them back to the land of Asorestan. Entering Van, he took these
valiant soldiers, attacked the Persian army, and captured much booty. Then he
returned to Cahuk. A man from the Amatuni (family) called Sari 148 , who was
in the castle of Caxuk, came down to him, appeared before him and gave over
the castle. Pleased at this, Deren gave him treasure, horses, mules, and robes,
and honoured him greatly. When all those who were in the other castles heard
of this, they sent off to Deren [131] and surrendered all the castles because of
his liberality and generosity; and they no longer were subject to Gagik and
Hamazasp. When Gagik and Hamazasp heard of this, they were discouraged,
their hearts failed, and they submitted to their brother.
143
For Van as the city of Samiram see M.X. 1.16.
144
Egis: D.-M. identifies this with the plain of El/Ayli frequently mentioned by T'.A.
145 This Vardevan is not attested elsewhere. AnjB. notes that it was used after the 14th
century. Just below Gorg's son is given the very common name Vardan.
146 Master: pafon, the French "baron", common in Cilician Armenian.
147 Spearmen: fmbawor. The term rumb can mean either a sling-shot or a spear/
javelin. See Arm B., s.v.
148 This Sari is only attested here.
209
So Deren held all the land of Vaspurakan as sole ruler. He did not give to his
brothers what their father had divided (among them), nor any of the other
fortresses and castles. But he gave a few villages to the province of Arcuck'.
Gagik had six villages, and Jel and Surm; while Hamazasp had a few villages.
Deren's power waxed, and he brought prosperity and peace to the land of
Vaspurakan. All the time there came from the empire of the Babylonians
incalculable treasure, precious robes, horses and mules. The king of Baghdad
greatly loved him, saying: "Do not spare my treasures and troops; empty the
lands around you, and conquer all your enemies".
He set out for Zarevand, built a strong city, walled the city and built himself
a fortress, which is called Molak'ar, and the fortress (called) Mijay. He
populated all the province of Dast-Awar as far as the Salt Lake 149 . He smote
the Persian empire, and built Hoiablur at the head of the plain of Her.
Deren took as wife Sop'i, daughter of Bagrat the idolater 150 . Bagrat
summoned Deren to his city, and greatly honoured him. Then he returned to
Vaspurakan, and begat two sons and a daughter, he gave his daughter to
Grigor Bagratuni the patrician' 5 '. She was a beautiful woman and her
husband Grigor Bagratuni the patrician loved her.
At that time AH, king of Baghdad died the one who loved Deren [133]
and there succeeded to his throne an obscure and wicked man called Mahmet.
He equipped many troops and came to attack Armenia. Reaching the province
of Ayrarat, he first took the city of Dvin, and then turned in the direction of
Vaspurakan.
But Deren sent to him treasures of gold and silver, horses and mules, saying;
"Do not ravage my land". He did not wish to pay heed, but insulted the
messenger with many unworthy words, saying: "You have brought much
treasure from the empire of Baghdad. Now I wish to come and reside in your
royal city called Van; and I shall remove you from your land of Vaspurakan
and give it to Tacat Anjevac'i, for he is friendly to me" 152 .
When Deren heard this, he gathered his cavalry about 3,000 mounted and
2,000 foot soldiers and went to attack him in the province of Garni. He
came down from the mountain called Oskegoti 153 ; Deren, advancing, defeated
and destroyed them. When Mahmet learned of this, he stood firm and tried to
resist, but was unable. The inhabitants of Vaspurakan smote the host of Tacik
149 Salt Lake: lake Urmia. Dastay-awarin is unknown; D.-M. interprets it as a
corruption of dast gawarin, "plain of the province (of Zarevand)".
150 The author of the Tale has confused his Bagratids. T'.A., III. 14, describes the
marriage of Derenik to Sop'i in 862. But Sop'i was the daughter of Asot Bagratuni, whose
Christian virtues are praised by Asohk, I I I . l . On p. 157 below the author of the Tale
notes the marriage of a later Deren to the daughter of Asot Bagratuni, but that daughter
he names Hranus. Bagrat "the idolater" must be Bagrat, prince of Taron, whose apostasy
is described by T'.A. II1.6 and J.K., ch. 30.
151 Grigor Bagratuni was prince of Taron; cf. T'.A. III.13.
152 LEWOND, ch. 39, describes the attachment of the caliph Muhammad al-Mahdi
(754-785) to Tacat Anjevac'i. That Tacat died in 784. No Tacat Anjevac'i is otherwise
attested for the later ninth century.
153 Oskegoti: lit. "golden girdle".
210
R.W.THOMSON
soldiers, and they fled for refuge to the castle of Berkri. Apuharb, who was the
lord of Berkri, received them. Then Deren took the horses and equipment of
Mahmet's soldiers, slaughtering many of them, and returned after a great
victory.
Living in this fashion for a long time, he grew old and installed his son Asot
as lord of Vaspurakan. When Deren died, they took and buried him in
Varag 154 . During the days of Asot there was prosperity and peace for the land
of Vaspurakan.
Now Tacat Anjevac'i was a valiant and renowned man. Mahmat, the king of
Baghdad 155 , was friendly to him. Mahmat had two sons; and when his sons
grew up, they did not love each other. [135] Mahmat summoned his sons and
said: "My sons, I wish to make peace between you, and to divide this city of
Baghdad so that one side of the river (belongs) to one son of mine, and the
other side to the other". Then the younger son said: "I shall not accept a
portion of your land. But give me treasures and robes, horses and mules,
servants and handmaids; for I have a desire to go away and see the world". His
father said: "You are my son, it is not right for nobles to act in the fashion that
you wish and intend". But he did not want to heed his father. Then, receiving
treasure, robes, horses and mules, servants and handmaids, he left and came to
the land of Anjavik', to the place called Sahastan 1 5 6 . There he camped on the
plain of Sahastan.
They informed Tacat, saying: "Many soldiers have come and encamped in
Sahastan". He mounted, and went with a few of his noble cavalry to see who
they were. The king's son was riding and hunting on the mountain. Coming
across each other, one of Tacat's men seized the horse of the king's son, struck
him with a spear, and killed him. When Tacat learned of the death of the king's
son, he was afraid. But he took the treasure which they had abandoned. The
soldiers of the king's son fled, leaving horses and mules and all his possessions.
(Tacat) took all the goods and went and fortified his castle. His servants and
trusted (retainers) he placed in all his castles; while he himself fled to the land
of the Greeks, to the emperor Phokas (P'okas) 157 . The latter recognised him,
honoured him, and appointed him katapan1** opposite Tarsus. When the king
of Baghdad heard of the death of his son, whom Tacat had killed, [137] he sent
a numerous army, ravaged the land of Anjevac'ik', and burned it with fire; but
the castles he was unable to subdue.
There was great mourning for the king's son; and he appointed his other son
154 For the death of Deren, husband of Sop'i and father of Asot, see T'.A. III.20, and
the CONTINUATOR, p. 265. This occurred in 887. The chronology becomes even more
confused when the author introduces Phokas on the next page!
1 5 5 Seen. 152 above.
156 Sahastan is used of a major or capital city, e.g. Tabriz as p. 181. The capital of
Anjevac'ik' was Kanguar; cf. T'.A. III. 15.
1 5 7 Phokas was emperor from 602 to 610. On p. 51 above the author omits reference
to Phokas's reign between Maurice and Heraclius. However, the chronology in the Tale
being so confused, it may be that the rebel against the emperor, Bardas Phokas of the late
tenth century, is intended.
158 Katapan'. a Greek term, see A.G., p. 355.
211
as king over the Babylonians. Then, five years later, there was a war between
the Romans and the king of Babylon. The Roman emperor gathered a
numerous army, entrusted it to Tacat Arcruni 1 5 9 , and said: "Go to oppose the
army of the Babylonians". Taking the host of soldiers, he went off and they
encountered each other. They fought a battle on the plain of Tarsus; the
Roman army defeated the army of the Taciks, put them to flight, and in pursuit
slew many of the fugitives.
During the pursuit Tacat himself came upon the king's son, for the latter's
horse had paused. He had dismounted and was sitting alone. Tacat came up,
found him alone and said: "Who are you?" He replied: "I am the king of the
army which the Romans defeated". Tacat dismounted, dressed him in the garb
of a Roman, and brought him to his house. He himself went to the emperor,
was honoured by the Roman emperor, and returned home. Then, taking the
son of the king of the Babylonians and his family, he went to the land of
Anjevac'ik' and took control of his castles; for they were still being guarded.
He then went to Baghdad.
Taking lodgings, he installed there the son of the caliph 16, and himself went
to the royal court. Finding the man who was chamberlain 161 , he said to him:
"Are you the chamberlain of this palace?" He said: "Yes, I am". Tacat said:
"I have come from the Roman empire in order to serve the king". He said:
"Good; I shall present you at the royal court".
He led him before the king; the latter ordered him to sit down. The king was
wearing black, black from his feet to his head. [139] Tacat questioned the
chamberlain: "Why is it that your king wears black and is in mourning"? He
said: "Do you not know what happened?" Said Tacat: "I do not know". The
chamberlain said: "The king had two sons, and he wished to divide Baghdad
between these two sons; but the younger son did not wish to receive a portion
of this city, so the king did what he desired. He gave him treasures, servants
and handmaidens, horses and mules. Then he went to Armenia, to the land of
Anjevac'ik'. But the impious Tacat attacked and killed him, took his treasures
and all his goods, then fled to the Roman empire. But another even greater
misfortune befell the king. He had established his other son as his successor in
Baghdad. When there was war between us and the Romans, the king's son went
off to fight with his army. But he was defeated and killed in the battle".
Tacat said: "How do you know that they killed him in the battle?" The
chamberlain said: "Some of the fugitives came (and said) that we saw that they
defeated and killed him". Then Tacat said: "Hear what I have to say. I know
that they did not kill the king's son, for I have come from the Roman empire
and that day I was in the battle. But I know that he was captured and that they
hold him prisoner. Let the king give me a token, and I shall go and bring a
token from him, so that he may believe me".
155
Arcruni is an error for Anjevac'i as the reference to the province below makes
clear.
Caliph: here amirapet, "chief emir", not the more usual "king (ark 'ay)".
Chamberlain: here ter drann, "lord of the gate". In the next paragraph the Arabic
term hcep is used, for which see A.G., p. 269.
160
161
212
R.W.THOMSON
Straightway the chamberlain entered and told the king everything he had
heard from Tacat. The king summoned Tacat; weeping and crying he tearfully
questioned him: "O good man, are then your words true that you spoke to my
servant?" He said: "Be assured, O king, that they are true and not false". That
day the king befriended Tacat. Standing up, Tacat honoured the king and said:
"Eat bread and drink [141] wine and be merry. I shall go and bring your son's
token". The king said: "I beg you, are your words true? Do not lie. Here are
treasures from my magnates before you. Give (them) and release my son, and
do not spare any of my goods". Tacat swore to him, saying: "Trust me, O
king; your son is alive. I know and have seen with my own eyes that he is
alive". The king believed him, and did not let him go that day until the evening.
Then, when it was evening, Tacat ate and left the palace.
Tacat called the chamberlain and said to him: "I am Tacat and I hold the
king's son". And he told him in order what he had done. Tacat said: "I shall
go and bring him, and do you remove the candle, so that the king may see his
son in darkness, and I shall place his son's hand in the king's hand". They did
just as Tacat had said. Tacat went to the lodgings where he had left the king's
son. He told him everything that his father had said, then he brought him to
the royal palace. The chamberlain came to the gate to see the king's son; falling
down, he did him obeisance. All the king's servants saw him and were
astonished. The chamberlain came, brought the candle and put it aside, then
Tacat took the king's son by the hand and went inside. The palace was dark, so
leading him he placed the son's hand in the hand of the king, and said: "Hear,
O king, I am Tacat, and this is your son Muse, who they said had been killed.
But behold happy are you, since here is your son alive". The king said: "Bring
light that I may see". They brought many candles before the king. When he
saw his son, he recognised him, clasped him to his bosom, and fainted. Taking
rose-water they sprinkled his face. He opened his eyes, and coming to his
senses, looked up and fainted again. Once more they sprinkled his face.
[143] He saw Tacat, summoned him, kissed him, and said: "Blessed are you by
the God whom you worship" 162 .
Tacat told him everything that he had done, and the king said: "Today you
have given me my son. So let him be a son to you, and let all the land of
Armenia pay tribute to you; for their tribute is our's. And (let) all my army be
in your hands. If anyone turn against you, take all my troops and expell your
enemy". He gave him many treasures and dismissed him.
When he reached Armenia, he had the king's seal 163 brought to Asot the
prince of the Bagratunik' and to Smbat Tarawnec'i' S4 , and he subjected the
whole country to tribute. In this fashion for six years he received the tribute of
all Armenia.
Cf. p. 119, n. 135.
Seal: sigei. No reference prior to the 13th cent, is noted by Arm B.
164 The chronology of this text is so confused and there were so many Smbats (of the
Bagratuni family) who were princes of Taron, that it is difficult to identify this particular
one. T.A., III.2, describes the pro-Muslim policy of Smbat Bagratuni of Mokk' in the
850s to which period the following episode must be dated.
162
163
213
Then in the seventh year a merchant from the city of Baghdad, who was
called Set', son of Apuset', came to the land of the Xut'ans. Falling upon him,
they killed him, seized his treasure and killed many of them (his companions).
The survivors fled to the king of the Babylonians 165 .
He sent to Tacat, saying: "Gather troops of Armenia and Mesopotamia. Go
to the region 166 of Xut'an, and take vengeance for my servant Set' whom they
killed". He sent (word) to Asot, prince of Vaspurakan, and to Asot Bagratuni
and to Smbat Tarawnec'i. He gathered the troops of Armenia, and intended to
pass over into Xawt' and Sasun. But the army of the Taciks, wherever they
passed, burned and ravaged, and set fire to the churches of Armenia. They
killed priests, and took women and children captive 167 .
[145] When Asot Bagratuni saw this, he said to Asot Arcruni and Smbat
Tarawnec'i: "We are causing great offence. What will God do to us? For we
are worshippers of the cross, but like foreigners 168 we have ravaged the land of
Armenia. They burned and ravaged our churches, and put the priests to the
sword. God is not pleased with this"169.
Then they were angry, and secretly at night killed Tacat. On coming out in
the morning, they found Tacat dead. His servants said that they had killed
Tacat in envy. Then they were unable to go to the land of the Xut'ayink', so
they each returned to their own land. The troops of the Taciks went to
Bahgdad and informed the king Mahmat about Tacat, saying that in envy they
had killed Tacat 170 .
He ordered it to be announced in the city of Baghdad: "To the man who will
go to Armenia I shall give an army and many treasures, and he will ravage
Armenia and venge the blood of Set'". When they had broadcast this for
three 171 days in Baghdad, on the fourth day a servant come forward whose
name was Bukay; he had been taken captive from the province of Albag from
the village called Mut'van, and was the son of a priest 172 . He presented himself
at the royal court and said: "Put this matter in my hands". The caliph
summoned him and said: "What is your name?" He said: "Bukay." He
gathered a numberless army, immeasurable treasures, and handed them over to
him.
165 The author has run together Apuset' and his son Yovsep'. T.A., II.5-7, describes
their forays into Armenia and Yovsep's death at the hands of the inhabitants of Xoyt';
this was just prior to Bugha's attack in 851.
166 Region: D.-M. emends vars to vayrs.
167 T'.A., III. Iff., describes the Muslim invasion after the murder of Yovsep' in Xoyt',
but does not speak of this as undertaken in revenge.
168 Foreigners: aylazgi, used of Muslims; see above, p. 83, n. 72.
169 T'.A., III.2, describes the grief of Smbat Bagratuni at the destruction of Armenia,
despite his being pro-Muslim.
170 According to LEWOND, Tacat was killed on a joint Muslim-Armenian expedition
against the Xazars.
171
Three: emending z to g in view of the following phrase.
T'.A., III.l, describes the appointment of Bugha, a Turk who was already an
important person in the realm. His Christian origin is entirely fanciful. Mut'van is not
attested elsewhere.
172
214
R.W.THOMSON
He came to the land of Vaspurakan and burned the entire land. Then prince
Asot took his nobles and soldiers and their wives, and they entered the castle of
Nkan 1 7 3 . Bukay arrived, surrounded it and besieged the castle; he attacked,
but was unable to take it. Leaving many troops to besiege it, he himself took
the rest of the army [147] and made forays into Armenia. He set fire to the
whole country and ravaged all the land. Then he reached Xut' and Sasun, but
was unable to overcome them. They inflicted many casualties on the Tacik
soldiers, and killed Tacat's son, for he was Bukay's guide 174 .
After three years Bukay returned to attack the castle of Nkan, and captured
it. He led away captive prince Asot Arcruni and his Nephew Isxanik, forty of
his nobles, and his two sons whose names were Hamazasp and Deren. He
brought them to the city of Samarra (Samur) and put them in prison, where
they stayed for sixteen years 17 5 .
Then the Maghrebites (Malripikk') attacked the land of the Taciks 176 . They
pillaged the whole land of the Taciks and reached the gate of the city of
Samarra. The emir was perplexed. But the emir's mother went onto the wall of
the city and spoke to the enemy general: "You have ravaged the land of the
Babylonians and of the Persians 177 , and have reached the gate of our city. Do
you wish to drag me from my house?" Then the Maghrebite troops began to
insult her. When prince Asot heard this, he sent to the emir Salk'ay 178 , saying:
"I have heard about the words of your enemies and the destruction of your
country. If you give me the order, my nobles and I shall go and do battle with
them; and we trust in God that we shall defeat them".
When he heard his proposal, he mocked them. The emir's mother, hearing of
this, went to her son and said: "Why do you not let them go?" Heeding his
mother, he sent (word) to the prison, had them brought out and taken to the
baths, and gave them garments. When they left the baths, they were brought
before the emir and he ordered them to sit down.
The emir said to prince Asot: "I hear that you are warriors". [149] Prince
Asot said: "What was I in my land? I think that I was a warrior. And if I had
not been brought into (this) fortress, either I would have died or no one would
have caught me". The emir said: "So do you wish to do battle with my
enemies?" Said the prince: "I shall go, emir". The emir said: "I have troops in
the city; they are warlike and valiant. But I wish to appoint you their leader
T'.A., III.2, describes Bugha's siege of Nkan.
T'.A., 111.2, refers to Muslims in Armenia acting as Bugha's guide and to
Armenian treachery. He also notes on a later occasion (in 9) that Smbat Abulabas acted
as guide for Bugha.
175 T'.A. indicates that Asot gave himself up before Nkan was captured. He and
Deren were taken to Samarra (III.3). For the 16 years of captivity see also T'.A., III. 18.
Isxanik of the Arcruni clan is not attested elsewhere.
176 For T'.A., III.16, the occasion of Asot's escape is a revolt at Qazvin in 867. The
following tale of an attack on Samarra and the advice of the caliph's mother is not
paralleled elsewhere.
177 Babylonians and Persians: i.e. Iraq and Iran; cf. p. 39 n. 2.
178 At the time Samarra was the residence of the caliph. On p. 171 Salk'a's son is
mentioned as emir of Mosul.
173
174
215
and general". Asot said: "Hear me, emir, and what I wish to say. You lead
your army. I and my nobles will go in front. You will see: if we defeat them,
order your troops to come forth; if they defeat us, let our survivors flee for
refuge into the city. But do not place on me the burden of leading your army".
The emir said: "Your proposal is good. Arise, go to my treasury and choose
for your nobles swords and spears and cuirasses and helmets, whatever your
heart desires. Take noble horses, as you please, and whatever arms you
wish" 179 .
Asot did what the emir had said. It was a Sunday, and Asot had a part of the
holy cross of Varag, which he concealed on his head ] 80. Then he and his nobles
dressed and armed. Turning to the East, he knelt and said: "Lord God, help
me, and relic of the holy cross, help me". Mounting, they went out the city
gate. He shouted at the (enemy) troops, and routed them. Prince Asot roared
like a lion, and Isxanik his second-in-command 181 flew like an eagle from wing
to wing. Then the army came out from the city and seized the booty and
plunder of the Maghrebites. Asot returned to the city in great triumph.
The emir ordered that he be put on a shield 182 and carried around, that
treasures be thrown on it, and many gifts be brought before him. The emir said
to prince Asot: [151] "You are a valiant man and have accomplished so much
good for me, whereas I treated you ill. You risked death to free my country and
this city; so I wish that you live with me in honour and respect. I shall release
your son Deren to your country, and give (him) many treasures. You stay here,
for I know that other enemies will return; and if there is peace, I shall release
you". Prince Asot said to the emir: "Have mercy upon me and release me. And
when your command reaches me, I shall come and die for you". The emir said:
"I do not wish to let you go, for I know that without cause they will come
another year. Heed me, for I regard you as my father".
Then he summoned Deren, gave him much treasure and many cavalry, and
sent him on his way. Deren reached Vaspurakan, and began to restore the
land 183 .
After eight years had passed 184 , innumerable Maghrebites came again, and
once more ravaged the land. When they reached the gate of the city the emir
summoned prince Asot and his nobles, and armed them. Said the emir: "Listen,
prince Asot. If you defeat them this time, I shall send you with distinction to
your country". When they were intending to go out to do battle, Asot said to
his nobles: "If God prospers us and we defeat the enemy, let us not return to
the city but go to our country".
Then they went out through the city gate. Reaching the camp of the invaders,
For Asot's role in the caliph's army see T'.A. III. 16.
iso por j[jjs holy relic see above, p. 107.
181 Second-in-command: the text reads erkrord, "second", but D.-M.'s Russian
translation renders as "nephew", based on his description on p. 147 as k'erord of Asot.
182 Shield: aspar. Elevation on a shield was the mark of election as emperor.
183 T'.A., III. 14-15, notes that Derenik was released after six years of captivity (before
his father), and describes his renewal of the country.
184 T'.A. is confused about the chronology of the captivity and release of Asot; see
THOMSON, 1985, p. 280 n. 2.
179
216
R.W.THOMSON
they drew up ranks opposing them. There were many others from the emir's
army with Asot. Then prince Asot with his nobles moved away from the troops
of the city about three arrow-shots distant. One of the invaders, [153] a
spearman, came forward, and calling prince Asot by name, said: "I am
Apuhalif, son of Ismayel. I know that you are Asot the prince of Vaspurakan.
The first time you defeated the invincible army of the Maghrebites and killed
my brother. So I intend either to die or to avenge the blood of my brother".
Then Isxanik, Asot's nephew, said to Asot: "Give me a command that I may
go to (fight) him". The prince said: "No, my son, because you are not strong
enough to go to (fight) him, as I can see. I shall go; but do you keep ready, so
that if he overcomes me, you can quickly bring me help". The man approached
them. Then prince Asot stepped forward and in a loud voice said: "Help me,
holy cross of Varag, on this great day of battle". He had a horse with a fine
saddle, and spear in his hand. When they came close to each other, the
foreigner threw his spear and struck prince Asot's right flank, but was unable
to penetrate his body. Then prince Asot, grasping the spear with his fist, broke
it. Readily drawing his sword, he struck him on the left shoulder, and with his
right hand threw his head to the ground.
When the enemy troops saw that, they turned in flight before them. Pursuing
them until sunset, they mercilessly slaughtered the foreigners and seized their
horses, some two and some three. Then Asot said: "In the name of this holy
relic of Varag, come, my men. For if they overtake us, either we shall die, or we
shall go to our country". So they left the emir's army prince Asot and his
nobles; and everyone went off safe and sound, no one daring [155] to pursue
them. In three days they reached the land of Vaspurakan 185 .
The emir's troops went and told (him) that Asot had gone away with his
nobles. The emir said: "He was concerned that I would detain him; but I
wished to send him to his country with great honour. So may God bring him
safely to his land, and I shall make him compensation worthy of his valour".
He made ready much treasure, splendid garments, six horses with harnesses,
and mules carrying all his precious goods; and from the booty which they had
captured (he took) cuirasses and helmets, from all the armour of the foreigners.
He wrote a letter in this fashion: "O brave and incomparable lion, prince
Asot, and nobles select from myriads! I intended to send you to your country
with great honour, many benefits and much wealth. So go and rebuild your
ravaged land; I shall provide you with all necessities and treasures, whatever
you need" 186 . They (the messengers) came to Armenia, bringing everything
that the emir had sent.
When Deren heard of his father's arrival, he took an army to meet him. They
informed prince Asot that: "Your son is coming to meet you with an army".
When he heard this, he desired a horse, cuirass, and helmet. But the others in
185 T.A., III.16, merely says that Asot "escaped" with Vahan Arcruni, despite the
attempt of Muse (Bugha's son) to keep his services for the Muslim cause. The following
two paragraphs in the Tale run counter to T'.A.'s version of events.
186 Whatever you need: or ew snkik' duk' in the printed text is meaningless; perhaps
emend to orewe ankanik' duk'.
217
astonishment said: "Prince, he is your son. Why do you ask for arms of
war?" 187 . He said: "My men, be not deceived; it is (a matter of) seniority.
I can no longer live in bonds and be enclosed in prison. It is twenty years that I
have endured affliction and imprisonment; I can bear it no longer".
They told Deren what his father had done. So he made ready, sent back his
troops to the fortress of Hadamakert, and himself with a few men went to meet
[157] his father prince Asot. While he was still far off, he dismounted from his
horse and advanced on foot to meet him, until he reached the holy cross which
the holy apostle Jude (Uda), brother of the Lord, had erected 188 . On seeing his
father, he fell before him. And his father said: "Come up to me". And he kissed
him and said: "Be mounted, my son Deren, why are you pale?" Deren said to
his father: "Hear, prince. I am astonished that when you heard I was coming to
you, you asked for a horse and arms. Why was that?" The prince said: It is (a
matter of) seniority, my son, to be prepared" 189 . And they went to the city of
Xandamasen 190 .
Then the man arrived who had all the gifts which the emir, the lord of
Samarra, had sent. The prince rejoiced, honoured them and sent them back.
Then he began to restore the land with the emir's help. For the house of
Samarra ruled over all the Medes and Persians and Babylonians.
Asot brought Hranus, daughter of Asot Bagratuni, as wife for Deren 191 . But
his other son, falling ill, lived for five years in grievous pain and died. Prince
Asot himself lived until he was seventy, and died. They buried him in Varag 192 .
After this Deren restored all his land, Zarehberd, Cahuk, Bunoyc'or, the
approach to (Mount) Arnos. He seized by force and overcame the land of
Persia; and he took Salamast at the decision of the emir, the lord of Samarra,
saying: "Because my fathers established and walled it".
[159] Then he had three sons: one was named Asot, and one Gorgen, and the
other Gagik 193 . Now there was of his family a man, the son of Hamze, who
was called Apumruan. He was a rich and progressive man; he built many
villages and became prosperous 194 . His daughter, Setay, Deren gave as wife to
his eldest son Asot 195 . And Deren himself was a womaniser.
Arms of war: zawnacaf, for which see Arm B., s.v. zonacaf.
This cross was supposedly erected in Albag on the occasion of Jude and
Bartholomew meeting each other in Armenia. See the accounts in Ankanon Girk', III,
p. 352, 362.
189 j'.A., III. 17, indicates that Derenik withdrew from a struggle between Asot and
Gurgen over control of Anjevac'ik'. He says nothing of the meeting of father and son.
190 Xandamasen seems to be a variant of Hadamakert, mentioned just above.
191 The only Hranus mentioned by T'.A. (III.3) was the wife of Muset Arcruni. The
daughter of Asot Bagratuni who married Derenik was Sop'i. See above, p. 131, n. 150.
The author of the Tale places that Deren a century previous to the present one.
192 T'.A., III.18, indicates that Asot died in 874 and was buried in the monastery of
the Holy Cross in Albag.
193 See T'.A. m 19 for these three sons of Derenik.
194 According to T'.A., III.3, Apumrvan was the son of Vahan Arcruni. For his career
and conflict with Derenik's sons see T'.A., III.22. Hamza was Derenik's grandfather.
195 Cf. T'.A. 111.25.
181
188
218
R.W.THOMSON
There was a man in Her whose name was Apumsar 1 9 6 ; he controlled Her
and Marand and Malhazan. And he was friendly to Deren because of his
forceful rule. Deren spent much money on that man, for he had a beautiful
daughter whom Deren loved. Deren made so bold as to go to Apumsar's
house; he stayed there for many days, and then returned to his own land, to
Vaspurakan. He brought Apumsar with him to Van. He spent many days in
merry-making, gave him numerous gifts, and sent him back to Her. In this
fashion he acted for a long time, abandoning his own wife whom he no longer
loved 197 .
Asot Begratuni died, and Smbat, Asot's son, reigned over Armenia 1 9 8 . He
was a haughty and warlike man, and magnanimous. The path of his kingship
was aright. The Roman emperor Romanos crowned him, and was very friendly
to him. He ruled over all the land of Armenia, and subjected Hayk' and Tayk',
Georgia (Virk') and Ahiank', the plain of Virk' and P'arisunk', Alornis, Arewis,
Bals, and the town of Partaw. He held and controlled P'aytakaran, that is Tiflis
(Tp'xis)199, Valarsapat, Dvin, Vayoc' Jor and Naxjavan. He seized the castle
[161] of Erenc'akay, Alaskert, Vatarsavan, which is Basen, Apahunik', Hark',
Tarawn. He built the castle of Xlat', restored the province, and took the whole
land of Arberan 200 .
There was a certain Tacik named Apuhec, to whom he gave the castle of
Berkri. He gave the city of Arces to a Tacik who had come from the city of
Darband to king Smbat. The province of Calkotn he gave to another Tacik
called Racay. He prospered and called himself Smbat "master of the
world" 201 .
At that time Hranus his sister sent (word) to her brother Smbat 2 0 2 , saying:
"My husband Deren has abandoned me; he loves some foreign woman from
Her, the daughter of Apumsar. He has become so arrogant and infatuated with
the foreigner, that the whole year he goes and stays there, taking with him all
the goods of Vaspurakan. He prepares for them food, and also takes garments,
treasures, horses and mules for that foreign woman. So besottedly does he love
her that he regards our children as nothing, and disregards them. So, my
imperial brother, of whom all kings, princes, and nobles of the earth are
terrified, do not allow him to despise me, for I am your sister and I have no
other protector".
196 The CONTINUATOR to T'.A., p. 263, mentions Apumsar of Her, whose son
(Aplbers, T'.A. 111.20) killed Derenik.
197 T'.A. does not refer to the infatuation of Deren for Apumsar's daughter, though
he implies that Deren and Apumsar's son were acquainted.
198 T.A., m 21, dates this to 890.
199 The curious identification of P'aytakaran with Tiflis is also made by T'.A., III.9,
based on the wooden (p'ayi) buildings of Tiflis.
200 For Smbat's holdings cf. J.K., ch. 31.
201 Master of the world: tiezerakal. This title was normally given to the second king
Smbat (977-990), e.g. VARDAN, p. 90. (The title does not appear in ASOLIK who was a
closer contemporary of Smbat II).
202 But on p. 193 below it is claimed that Hranus went in person to plead with Smbat.
219
When king Smbat heard this, he was very angry. He sent (word) to Deren,
saying: "Why do you commit this crime? For it is not right that you abandon
my sister Hranus than whom among women [163] there is none so beautiful,
modest and attractive and go after a foreigner. Do you not fear God? If you
have any need for fornication, there are many women in the land of Vaspurakan. I have further heard that you have debauched all the wives of your nobles.
Fear God, for this report which I hear about you does you no good".
When Deren heard 203 the letter of Smbat, he said to the man who was the
messenger: "You are very self-satisfied with the grandeur that you have
attained. Who are you to speak like that with me? I am the master of my own
house and of my own wishes. What I like, that I do. If you are not pleased,
send and take your sister, otherwise I shall send her to you".
When the king of Armenia, Smbat, heard this, he ordered a letter to be written
to the sons of Apumsar in Her. There were four brothers. He had (the letter)
written to them in this fashion: "From Smbat, king of Armenia and Georgia
and master of the world, to the sons of Apumsar who now hold the principality
of the province of Zarevand and the main 204 city of Her, the capital of Persia.
I hear that Derenik, who is my brother-in-law, loves K'ulinar your sister 205 .
Are you not ashamed to let him do that? In all conscience you must rebuke
(him). If your sister was a captive with him, you would have to send a call to
Xorasan and to me in order to rescue your sister from captivity".
But they replied, saying: "O king of kings, we are afraid of your majesty and
are unable to lay hands on Deren, for we know that he is your brother-in-law.
So if you will not be angry with us, we shall not allow him to come to us, and
we shall not willingly (endure) his unseemly dealing with us".
When king Smbat heard this letter, he ordered (a response) to be written to
them as follows: "From Smbat, [165] king of Armenia and Georgia and ruler
of many provinces, to Ali and Mahmet, sons of Apumsar 206 . I have heard the
text of your letter in which you wrote that you are afraid of me and cannot
harm Deren, prince of Vaspurakan. Now I swear by my God whom I worship,
do not stand in awe of me. First send (word) to him that he should not come
any more to you. If he dares to come, keep silent, and when he arrives, kill him;
and you will be innocent of his blood. But if you disregard my orders and do
not kill him, God is my witness that I shall raze Her to its foundations and put
you to the sword".
When the king's command had been brought to the sons of Apumsar, they
sent (word) to Deren, saying: "Do not come any more to us for the sake of our
sister, since there are many who mock and deride us". But Deren laughed.
Apumrvan 2 0 7 said: "Hear, prince of princes. It is not right to go to Her any
Heard: i.e. the letter was read to him.
Main (city): the text reads zawand (k'a/ak'n), which could be interpreted "your
town, the city (of Her)". But here it is probably a misprint for zawagn.
205 K'ulinar is not attested elsewhere.
206 T.A., III.20, refers to the historical Aplbers, the Anonymous (p. 263) to an
unnamed son of Apumsar. Ali and Mahmet seem rather obvious names for Muslims
whose origins are unknown to the author of the Tale.
203
204
207
According to the ANONYMOUS CONTINUATOR (T.A., p. 263) Gagik Apumrvan and
220
R.W. THOMSON
more, for the sons of Apumsar are like dogs". But he said: "Be silent,
Apumrvan, they cannot oppose me. If I wish, this very day I shall raze the
walls of Her and plunder their land".
The days of summer came to his land of Vaspurakan; and when the days of
autumn arrived it was time for him to go to the city of Her as was his custom.
All his nobles heard that king Smbat had sent a message to the sons of
Apumsar, but no one dared to tell Deren, for he was a stern and irascible man.
Then he gave orders to his servants, and they took bread, wine, sheep, and
lambs plump and succulent, and all the good things of the land of Vaspurakan.
He sent a man whose name was Mleh Caxamanec'i (with orders) 208 : "Take
all these good things, go to Her, and say [167] to Ali and Mahmet the sons of
Apumsar that "I intend to come and spend the winter with you", for there is
much hunting in the mountains of Marand and on the plains of Mahlazan". He
himself took his soldiers and nobles and went to the province of Cahuk.
Now Deren was resentful of Apumrvan Arcruni, who was the father-in-law
of his son Asot 209 . When they had reached the village of Astesat in the
province of Cahuk, and had made their lodgings there, that evening he gave
orders to lazat Arcruni 2 1 0 and his brothers, whose names were Ktun, Vahan,
Savay, and K'urt': "Seize Apumrvan, bind him with iron fetters, and take him
to the castle of Agarak". They arrested Apumrvan, put iron fetters on his feet,
and took him to the castle of Agarak 2 1 1 .
Apumrvan sent (word) to prince Deren, saying: "If you have captured me, it
is your command. But hear me, and do not go to the city of Her 2 1 2 . Turn back
and visit my house, for I have much wealth of possessions, sheep, lambs, horses
and mules. Perchance my servants are raiding my house. But it is not right for
you to go to the city of Her in person, to that nest of vipers 213 , for they have
spilled much blood there".
When Deren heard Apumrvan's message, he disdained it, and immediately
set out in person for Her. They reached the city of Salmast. When the bishop
Phokas (P'okas) heard (of this), he came to meet him and brought him back to
other conspirators jealous of Derenik were behind the plot to kill him. T.A., III.20, says
that Asot Bagratuni was plotting against Derenik. Neither of them say anything about
Derenik's infatuation with K'ulinar or his wife's letter to Smbat. They indicate that
Derenik would pass by Her on his way to winter quarters in Marakan, which had good
hunting,
208 Mleh: probably the same as the Mleh on p. 179 below, but unattested in other
Armenian texts.
209 See above, p. 159.
210 On p. 177 lazat and his brothers are said to be of the Amatuni family, in
agreement with T'.A., III.24, and J.K. ch. 34. T'.A. names three brothers: Sapuh, Vahan,
and Saray. But in his account the conspirators murder Apumrvan, not imprison him.
2 1 1 T'.A., III.20 (echoed by the CONTINUATOR, p. 263), says that Apumrvan was
imprisoned in Vantosp.
2 1 2 T'.A. does not say that Gagik Apumrvan discouraged Derenik, and the Continuator claims that he was part of the conspiracy; see above, p. 165, n. 207.
213 As Is. 11.8.
221
his monastery 214 . He stayed there for a day. On the morrow he left and
reached a stream of water which flowed down from the valley of Ancaxit. From
there they went on to the plain of Her.
The sons of Apumsar came out to meet him accompanied by many troops.
Ali gave a sign to his brother Mahmet, saying: "If there are few with the
prince, [169] I shall stretch out my left arm towards his troops, and you strike
him with your spear. But if there are many with him, I shall extend my right
hand and kiss him; then you keep silent".
When they reached the stream, lazit and his brothers said: "Prince Deren, we
do not like the look of their army. Since they are very numerous, we should not
go to them today. Turn back the way we came to our castle of Kotor". He did
not wish to heed them, but shouted out on his horse and galloped over the
stream, and over another and over a third. For three springs flowed down and
passed through the plain opposite Her. However, his nobles held their ground;
not one of them wanted to cross the stream.
When the prince reached the force of that ferocious nation, Ali came
forward, threw his left arm round his neck, and kissed him. Then his brother
Mahmet struck his side with a spear. (Deren) spurred on his horse, wishing to
flee and take refuge with his nobles. But the foreigners in pursuit surrounded
him. With a loud voice he shouted to his nobles: "My foster 215 nobles, today I
have saved you". But they did not turn at his voice; they retreated and went to
the castle of Caxuk, to Apumrvan. They released him from his bonds and
established him as their prince and lord in the land of Vaspurakan. They took
him with them to Van, which was their capital 216 .
The foreigners took Deren and brought him dead to the city of Her. Their
sister Kulinar ransomed his body and sent it off to Armenia. They buried him
in the monastery of Cerp, where the relic of the holy Cross was 217 .
[171] Apumrvan came to Van, the city of Samiram, seized Asot, Deren's son,
who was his own son-in-law, put iron bonds on his feet, and had him taken to
the keep of the castle at Nkan. There he imprisoned him, and ordered that he
be securely guarded. The (other) two brothers, Gagik and Gorgen, he kept in
exile at his palace 218 .
King Smbat heard of Deren's death, yet he did not trouble about his sister or
her sons, because he was friendly to Apumrvan 219 . Apumrvan survived and
Bishop Phokas is unattested elsewhere.
Foster: snuc'ac. For the system of bringing up youths in other noble families,
whereby an older man became the tutor (dayeak) of his protege (san) who was not directly
related to him by blood, see references in THOMSON, 1982, p. 22, n. 5.
2 1 6 T'.A., III.20 (followed by the CONTINUATOR, p. 269), indicates that king Asot
Bagratuni played a role in the freeing of Apumrvan and his appointment as regent for
Derenik's sons.
2 1 7 T'.A. notes that Derenik was buried in the monastery of the Holy Cross in Albag.
Cerp is not mentioned elsewhere.
218 T'.A., 111.22, indicates that Asot was kept in Nkan, Gagik in Sevan, and Gurgen
in Kotor; the CONTINUATOR, p. 270, puts Asot and Gurgen in Nkan, and Gagik in Van.
219 But T'.A., 111.20, indicates that king Asot visited his daughter Sop'i to console her.
The author of the Tale elaborates on king Smbat's hostility to the Arcrunis below, p. 193.
214
215
222
R.W. THOMSON
served king Smbat; and he charged him as follows: "When your command
arrives, I shall come to your service and act as one of your servants". And he
lived as lord of Vaspurakan for twenty-six years 220 .
Now there was a man of the nation of Taciks whose name was Hapip. He
ruled over Mosul, and intended to attack Smbat, king of Armenia, because
Smbat had taken the land of Xlat', had built himself a castle (there), and was
wishing to stretch out his hand over Syrian Mesopotamia 221 .
This lord of Mosul, Hapip, son of Salk'ay, was a warlike man. He gathered
troops and wrote a letter to king Smbat as follows: "From Hapip, son of
Salk'ay 222 , from the king of Mosul to Smbat, son of Asot prince of Armenia.
You have had the audacity to crown yourself with your own hand, since you
found the land without a master. You were successful, and by force seized all
the western regions until you reached the capital city 2 2 3 Partaw, and likewise
Naxjevan and the great capital Dvin. Not satisfied with this, you turned
towards Syria and took Arces, Arjke, and Mac'kert. You were further emboldened
and seized the province of Xlat'. And now you stretch out your hands and wish
to enter Mesopotamia and reach the land of the Babylonians. [173] So I intend
to do battle with you. I shall come and plunder your possessions and the
territory that you control. If you have confidence in yourself, gather an army
and come to meet me".
When king Smbat heard this, he despatched orders throughout Armenia,
Georgia, Amank', and Tayk'. He sent (word) to Apumrvan, prince of Vaspurakan: "Take your army and come to me" 224 . When Apumrvan heard this, he
was irritated; for he was a deceitful and rebellious man. He sent a letter to the
emir of Mosul for they were mutual friends, and had long since made a pact
to the effect that: "If war breaks out between you and Smbat, I shall aid not
him but you".
Hapip sent word to him: "If your words are correct, the time has now come.
Wait for a day, and I shall go to Smbat; and then you will see what I shall do
against his army". Apumrvan swore an oath and had it sent to Hapip (in
writing) by a man from the house of the Gabeleac', Vasak, son of Katen 225 .
Then Smbat took the Armenian army, gathered many troops, marched to the
land of Xlat', and camped in the plain of Mosk. He was waiting for the prince
Apumrvan, but the latter delayed his coming because he had deceived Smbat.
2 2 0 On p. 179 the author of the Tale indicates that Apumrvan was killed in 913, which
is 26 years after Derenik's death in 887. But T.A., III.24, places the murder during the
lifetime of Asot, who died in 903. The generally accepted date is 897.
2 2 1 Neither J.K. nor ASOLIK refer to Smbat taking Xlat'. T.A., 111.23, refers to the
conflict of Smbat and Ahmet in this area, and the Continuator, p. 282, describes Smbat's
capture of Amiuk on Lake Van.
2 2 2 For Salk'ay see above, p. 147.
2 2 3 Capital city: awand k'alak'ac'. As on p. 163, n. 2, I emend awand to awagn.
224 T.A., III.23 (cf. CONTINUATOR, p. 276), describes Smbat's summoning of forces
against Ahmat, but has no word there about Apumrvan. For the treachery of Apumrvan
see J.K., ch. 34.
2 2 5 This Vasak and Katen are unattested elsewhere. The Armenian text reads Zabeteanc' (otherwise unknown) which D.-M. reasonably emends to Gabeteanc'.
223
When Hapip knew Smbat's intention and that Mrvan had stayed (behind),
he chose from among his troops 10,000 spearmen, valiant warriors. He led
them in person against Smbat, and requested peace, sending word through a
messenger: "Say to Smbat, [175] 'Give us the castle of Xlat' and we shall make
peace'. And do you detain him". The messenger went off and detained Smbat
in the plain of Musk. Hapip marched rapidly 226 by night and fell on the army
of Smbat. Unexpectedly the Armenian troops heard the voices of the foreigners
at night, and terrified, they fled. Pursuing them, they inflicted great losses on
the Armenian army that day, and plundered the possessions of the Armenian
troops.
Smbat returned from (his war with) Hapip in shame. Crossing the T'xajur 2 2 7 , they reached the castle of Xolc', and escaped by the skin of their teeth
to the province of Rstunik'. Then the prince of Vaspurakan came out to meet
him. When they encountered each other, Apumrvan said: "How is it, O king,
that you survived and have come (here)?" Smbat said: "I missed you, for you
delayed and did not come, though I had expected you". Gagik entered the
presence of king Smbat and related all the treacherous words of Apumrvan that
he had sent to Hapip, and the journey of Vasak.
Smbat said to Gagik: "Has Vasak not yet returned?" Gagik replied: 'He has
not yet returned". Then Smbat again addressed Gagik, son of Derenik:
"Listen, the hour has come for you to rule over this house of Vaspurakan, your
patrimony" 228 . Then they went to Van, the city of Samiram 229 . Prince Mrvan
had prepared a meal, and said to king Smbat: "Today I have prepared a meal
for your majesty. Stay, and go on tomorrow, O king". King Smbat said to
prince Apumrvan: "You gave me a meal on the plain of Mosk, the taste of
which will not leave my stomach until I reach the house of Armenia". And he
did not go to his meal.
He went on his way, and the prince of Vaspurakan followed to escort him.
[177] King Smbat summoned one of his servants and sent him to some people
five brothers of the Amatuni family who were called: Kuan, Vahan, K'urf,
Saray, Izat, valiant and renowned men 230 . He said to them: "At dawn the day
after tomorrow bring before me the head of the trator Apumrvan, and make
my nephew Gagik lord of the house of Vaspurakan". They turned back and
came to the city of Van, while Smbat continued his journey.
When day dawned, on a Monday, the five Amatuni brothers came to the
court of Apumrvan and said: "O prince, this is a (good) day for hunting. Our
servants have set many hares. Arise, let us go to the hunt". He mounted a mule
and followed them (until) they reached the edge of the vineyards called
Rapidly: sariat', an Arabic word.
T'.A., III.23, describes the Armenian defeat by the river Tux, but has no reference
to Apumrvan's treachery, which is emphasized by J.K., ch. 34.
2 2 8 T'.A. does not say that Smbat prompted the murder of Apumrvan, but after that
had occurred he has the king say: "That deed was done worthily" (III.24).
2 2 9 Cf. above, p. 127, n. 143.
230 Cf. above, p. 167. But neither T'.A. nor J.K. implicate king Smbat in the plot
directly. The following circumstantial account of the murder has no parallels in other
sources.
226
227
224
R.W. THOMSON
Vardaboyn. They had put on cuirasses under their garments, and intended to
kill him. But suddenly a youth came up, who had a small piece of paper. He
caught up the prince and gave it to him. The latter stopped his mule, read it,
and then turned his mule around to return to the city.
The Amatuni brothers said: "See, he has gone". Then Saray, shouting to his
horse, passed in front of him; and at his horse's gallop dust arose. Prince
Apumrvan angrily said: "What a shameless dog you are", putting his hand
over his face. For a strong breeze was blowing at the time, and the dust had
risen up like a cloud. Straightway Saray turned to attack him before he had
lifted his hand from his face. He drew his sword from its sheath, struck him on
the right shoulder, and with his left hand threw his head to the ground.
Surrounding him, they cut off his head, [179] and gave it to a man who brought
it to king Smbat while he was still on his way.
They took Gagik, son of Deren, and brought him into the city of Van. Now
there was in the fortress a man who closed the castle gate. Gagik said to him
to the man in the castle, whose name was Mleh 231 and who was a relative of
his: "You see the body of this wicked man. So listen, I shall honour you too in
this fashion (one of) these days". But he said: "O Gagik, you shall not enter
this castle". Gagik appointed guards around the castle. Then they swore an
oath, and the man came down and gave the castle into Gagik's hands. There
was in it much treasure, and it was the year 362 of the Armenia era (913
AD) 2 3 2 . And Gagik ruled as regent of Vaspurakan.
Ali, son of Apusaylep, ruled over the land of Persia 233 . He was a haughty
and lecherous man, who had subjected many countries. It was his custom that
when he entered a Persian city he had procuring women go around from house
to house; and wherever they saw a beautiful woman they came and told the
caliph Ali, and he had her brought. So he had intercourse with many wives of
rich and of poor (people). Those women were his counsellors, and he had no
occasion to summon his magnates before him.
There was a man of the Persian nation, a great emir, whose name was
Apusec; he held the city of Ardawet and its territory. The emir Apusec died; he
had two sons, Afsin and Usep, and they were impoverished 234 . They came to
the court of the caliph Ali. He summoned the major dome 235 who was
appointed at his court, the superintendent 236 of the Persian army, and said:
"Take these two young boys and care for them as is appropriate; [181] look
Cf. above, p. 165, for Mleh.
The Armenian text has 162, which D.-M. emends to 362 (which began on 12 April,
913 A.D.). However, Apumrvan was murdered earlier than that; see above, p. 171, n. 220.
233 The following account of Ali and the sons of Abusec is unknown to other
Armenian sources. Ali is described as caliph. Could Ali b. Apusaylep be a corruption of
Ali b. Abi Talib, the fourth caliph? It is not the name of a caliph at the beginning of the
tenth century.
234 T'.A. only refers to Abusec (Abu-Sadj) as the father of Afsin and Yusuf. Ardavet
is Ardabil, which at this period was under the control of the Sadjids.
231
232
235
Major domo: Arabic bandar. Arm B., s.v., thinks that here it is a proper name.
Superintendent: lesuc', "overseer", a common Armenian word often used for

"bishop".
236
225
after them, because they are sons of the emir Apusec". The major domo took
them and gave them to guardians, saying: 'These are the sons of the great
Apusec; take and look after them as sons of the emir". The sons of Apusec
lived for ten years at the court of Ali.
After this the caliph Ali made a tour of the land of Persia and came to the
city of Sraw 237 . His procurers came to the emir of Sraw, but he had died that
same year. Now he had a daughter of incomparable beauty. One of the women
came and seized the caliph by the hand. The caliph said: "Say what you have to
say". So she told him about the woman's beauty.
Then the caliph sent to the girl's mother and said: "Give your daughter to be
my handmaid". Her mother replied, saying: "Great emir, your command is
good; but I cannot give her as handmaid, since she is the daughter of
Aputayhir, son of Sumir 238 . But if you marry her, take also my treasures and
all the inheritance which I possess". When the emir heard all the woman's
words, he was greatly saddened and was angry at her.
He summoned the man to whom he had entrusted the city, and said: "Pay
attention. Bring from the house of Aputahir as much treasure as I have
allocated for my army, and disburse it until all his possessions are exhausted".
Having said this, he left the city of Sraw and went to the capital T'avrez. So he
began, continously giving, allocating, and taking treasure for his army from
Sraw, from the house of Aputahir, until all his treasures were exhausted.
Again the next year the caliph Ali came to Sraw. The wife of Aputahir heard
(of this), and went to meet him. [183] She saw the sons of Apusec, Afsin and
Usep', stopped in front of them, and said to Usep': "Hear me, son of Apusec".
He stopped his horse, and said: "What is it, woman, who are you?" She said:
"I am the wife of Aputahir", and she told him all that the caliph had said.
Usep' said: "What do you wish me to do?" The woman said: "I want you to
tell the caliph to take my daughter and bring her to the house of his
handmaids". He said: "It is your command, madam".
The caliph Ali arrived, entered the palace in the city of Sraw, and sat down.
It was his habit that when he stopped (somewhere), his princes and nobles
would stand before him with their swords until the king sat at table, then they
would go out. All the princes came, stood before him according to their
custom, and when it was time they all went out. Usep', however, did not go
out; but standing before him, remained because of the request of Aputahir's
wife.
When the caliph saw him, he said in a fury to the chamberlain 239 : "Who is
this?" The chamberlain said: "Great emir, he is your servant". The caliph said:
"Name him, because I do not recognise him". The chamberlain said: "Usep',
son of the emir Apusec". The caliph said: "And when did he come to my court,
2 3 7 Srav is between Ardabil and Tabriz. None of the following is in other Armenian
sources.
238 Aputahir: identified by D.-M. with Abutahir leader of the Karmatians of Bahrain;
see Ei s.v. ad-Djannabi. In 928 he defeated the Sadjite Yusuf who had been sent against
him by the caliph.
239
Chamberlain: hecup, as above, p. 139.
226
R.W. THOMSON
and how does he live?" Usep' said: "Great emir, this is the tenth year that I
have been at your court. When my brother and I arrived we had nothing, but
now each of us has 1,000 men at your court". The caliph said: "I thank my
God who has so greatly honoured me that the sons of Apusec serve me
unbeknown". Usep' said: "Great emir, the girl whom you requested from the
wife of Aputahir and she would not give as handmaid, [185] but (only) in
marriage now she has come and begs you saying: 'Either sell, or keep (her)
as a handmaid for yourself".
The emir rejoiced greatly. He sent and had the girl brought, began to laugh,
and ordered the city of Sraw to be registered and given to Usep', son of
Apusec. He kept with him the daughter of Aputahir for five days; after five
days he summoned Usep' and gave him Aputahir's daughter, crowned her 240 ,
and celebrated her wedding with great eclat.
Some days later his wife said: "Yusep', did you see what the emir Ali did?
He took the many treasures which may father had saved for me, and inflicted
on me many sufferings and indignities". And she wept before him. But Usep'
said to his wife: "Do not weep". And he swore: "I shall repay him for
whatever he did to you".
They stayed (there) for that year; and the next year the calph Ali gave
Artawet to Usep', son of Apusec. The year after that he gave (him) Norh, and
then a few days later he gave to Usep' the province of Zarevand. Then he
gathered an army of 30,000 men, and after that became emir.
One day when the caliph Ali had gone out to hunt deer, suddenly the army
of Yusep' fell on the caliph Ali; they seized and bound him in iron bonds, and
put him in prison. The sons of Apusec' took control of Persia. And while Ali
was in prison, they poisoned and killed him.
Now the son of Apusec was a cruel and hard-hearted man; he intruded upon
Armenia and wished to extract tribute from king Smbat. But Smbat did not
wish to pay, and said to him: "You are no better than Ali, although [187] you
deceitfully killed him; and I shall not give you tribute". Then the son of Apusec
gathered all the troops of Persia and came to Armenia. Smbat gathered the
Armenian troops and went to oppose him. They drew up battle-lines on the
plain of Gin. The battle was long, but king Smbat defeated the Persian army;
many of them were killed, and the others were put to flight. He forced back to
Persia the son of Apusec in great shame. From that time on Yusep', son of
Apusec, became more puffed up than ever 241 .
At that time Smbat wished to make a marriage alliance with the king of the
Lazkik' that is, the Ap'xazk'. He took the daughter of Datos, king of the
Ap'xazk', (as wife) for his son Musel. Then they became mutual friends. Later
king Smbat planned to seize the territory of the Ap'xazk' that was near to the
I.e. in marriage.
J.K., ch. 40-49, describes in detail the wars between Yusuf and Smbat, which
ASOLIK abbreviates in III.4. The CONTINUATOR to T'.A., p. 285, indicates that Yusuf
attacked Smbat because the latter refused to pay taxes. None of these authors refers to the
plain of Gin, which was the scene of a later victory by Gagik Arcruni over Yusuf
(CONTINUATOR, p. 301).
240
241
227
province of Sirak: namely, Kank'ark', Gogsen, Jaylc'el, Kol, and Artahank'.

For Smbat was a powerful and haughty man, and the period of his rule was
successful 242 .
Then Datos, king of the Ap'xazk', sent (word) to Smbat, king of Armenia: "I
shall not give you the province of my patrimony". But (Smbat) did not desist.
Since he did not heed him, (Datos) kept silent until the days of winter. Then he
summoned Muse} his son-in-law and put him in prison. Musel sent (word) to
his father Smbat: "For the sake of those provinces which you seized from the
hands of Datos, king of the Ap'xazk', he has bound me with iron bonds".
When Smbat heard this, he gathered troops, [189] brought together many
nations, and attacked the land of the Ap'xazk'. He reached the land of the
Nawhank', the village called Gawri 243 . There the king of the Ap'xazk" was
encamped, Muse! with him. He had dammed up the flow of the river in order
to surround the castle. There was no way to enter the city because of the ice,
for it covered the whole plain.
Smbat entered the land of the Ap'xazk' and plundered the whole country. He
reached the land of Artahan. and with him (there was) a numerous host: the
prince of the East, Smbat, with many troops; the prince of P'afisos, Hmayeak,
with many cavalry; the prince of Aljnik', Grigor, with many troops; the prince
of Goroziv, Vasak, with many cavalry; the prince of Vayoc'jor, Apusamb, with
many troops; the prince of Tayk', Goram, with many cavalry; the prince of
Colb with many troops; the prince of Tarun, Gagik, with many cavalry; the
prince of Vaspurakan, Gorgen, with many troops; the prince of Mokk', Asot,
with many cavalry; the prince of Anjevac'ik', Hamakar, with many troops; the
prince of Korduk' with many cavalry 244 ; and many others from the land of
Persia.
They had spread out around the ice; but there was no way he could take the
village of Gawri, so king Smbat was in doubt. Then the prince of Vaspurakan,
Gorgen, said to his nobles: "What is our course of action?" So they fitted their
horses with new shoes 245 , and he gave heart to the brave men of the family of
the Gnunik', (to those) of the family of the Kajberunik', of the family of the
Gabeteank', of the family of the Jiwnakan, of the family of the Gasrikan, of the
family of the Gndunik'.
242 Datos: probably a corruption of T'ewtas (Theodosius III), whose deposition as
king of Ap'xazia in 978 and the later campaignof Smbat II into Ap'xazia are described by
ASOLIK, 111.28. But this was during the reign of Smbat II (977-989), whereas Muset was
the son of Smbat I (890-914). J.K., ch. 45-7, describes the capture of this Musel by the
Sewordik' of Uti and his death at the hands of Yusuf (cf. ASOLIK, III.4). These sources
mention no marriage alliance in this regard. D.-M. (n. 186) claims that according to J.K.
Musel was married to the daughter of the king of the Mingrelians; see J.K., p. 178.
243 This is Gori, but the Nawhank' are unattested elsewhere.
244 The alternation of "troops/cavalry" in this paragraph is striking. Attacks on the
Ap'xaz by both Smbat I and Smbat II are mentioned by ASOLIK (m 4, 28), but there are
no parallels to this account. From the reference to Gagik and Gurgen on p. 193, these
events are attributable to the reign of Smbat I.
245 Shoes: lusin, lit. "moons", i.e. crescent shaped.
228
R.W. THOMSON
Gorgen himself, a valiant man, came up at the light of dawn, but Smbat was
depressed. When Gorgen came [191] before Smbat, he said: "Why are you
depressed, O king?" Said Smbat: "What then are we to do, my son Gorgen?"
Gorgen said: "Give me the command and I shall bring your son to you". King
Smbat laughed at his words. But Gorgen said: "Do not laugh, king". Smbat
said: "If it were possible you would fly like a bird, my son Gorgen". Said
Gorgen: "Give the command, king, and be not concerned". The princes were
looking on and said: "What does the prince of Vaspurakan wish to do?" They
laughed among each other and mocked him. Then the king said: "Go, my son
Gorgen".
Gorgen went to the nobles and informed them of the king's order. The
warriors and young men of Vaspurakan mounted, likewise Gorgen Arcruni
himself, and they set out over the frozen ice. When they approached the village,
the troops of the king of the Ap'xazk' came out to cordon the edge of the ice,
regarding them as prey. They came up quite silently, for prince Gorgen had
commanded his nobles, saying: "Go prepared, and deceive the Ap'xaz troops,
and break away free". They approached the solid ground and suddenly gave a
shout. At the noise the Ap'xaz troops fled before them; but surrounding them,
they began to slaughter them with the sword.
The king of the Ap'xazk' heard an unexpected clamour. Going up onto the
rooftop, he shouted in a loud voice: "Who are you? This is an affair of valiant
blood. Give me your blood". Gorgen said: "It is I, the prince of Vaspurakan,
and this is the son of my uncle king Smbat". Taking the king of the Ap'xazk'
and Musel, Smbat's son, he brought them before king Smbat. [193] And all the
people with Smbat were astonished. The king of the Ap'xazk' agreed and gave
up Kangark', Got'sen 246 and Kol. And they made a mutual peace.
King Smbat returned, and on reaching his capital he sent everyone to their
homes and own land. Prince Gorgen, who was of the Arcruni house, the
brother of Gagik, prince of Vaspurakan, who had accomplished such a
successful exploit, came to his nobles and said: "You see, my nobles, how much
king Smbat hates me and my brother Gagik. You know that if I had not come
forward, his son would still be in bonds with the king of the Ap'xazk'. Behold,
he has honoured all the princes and sent them back to their lands. But he has
paid no attention to me at all". The k'alvac241, who was a brave man and had
demonstrated much valour in the land of Vaspurakan, said to him: "O prince
Gorgen, why are you astonished at that? I am a man of many years, and I tell
you that Smbat does not wish you (well), but is continually plotting evil against
the house of Vaspurakan. Do you not remember that he had your father,
Deren, slaughtered on the plain of Her, and that he ordered the unworthy
Apumrvan to be made prince of Vaspurakan? 248 Asot, your eldest brother, he
imprisoned with cruel bonds until death befell him in the fortress of Nkan.
246
Got'sen: probably correct to Gogsen, as p. 187.
K'alvac: a word otherwise unattested, in form a passive past participle from a root
"to pick, gather, pluck".
248 Cf. above, p. 165.
247
229
Your mother Hranus, the (most) modest and wise of women, went to Armenia 245 , wept before him, and said: 'You are my brother; I have no protector in
the house of Vaspurakan, and my sons are being killed at the hands of the
unworthy Mrvan'. But he laughed and said to your mother Hranus: 'Do not
weep, let your sons die, for it is better to kill the young of a snake lest they
grow into dragons'. [195] And you cannot escape from his clutches. If the army
of Mrvan, who had deceived him, had not been slaughtered in the land of Xlat'
on the plain of Mosk 2 5 0 as the bones of the dead still bear witness he
would not have had Apumrvan killed. So do not trust Smbat, since as far as his
hands can reach he is trying for your destruction".
All the groups of nobles began to say: "Up, let us go, we expect no good
from him; he will not do such deeds as will please you". When prince Gorgen
heard this, he went off to king Smbat and said: "Remain in peace. O king".
Smbat, laughing, said: "Flying bird of Vaspurakan 251 , do not be upset. I shall
give you the castle of Mangnawan, and I shall give you the province of Garni".
When prince Gorgen heard this, he was angry; he left the presence of king
Smbat and wished to proceed farther.
They said to Smbat: "The prince of Vaspurakan has gone". King Smbat
said: "Let him go, the young of that snake Deren whom I had killed by the
son of Apumsar". He did not wish to make him come back or to escort him on
his way properly.
When Gorgen reached the land of Vaspurakan and the capital of Samiram
which is called Van, he met his brother Gagik and told him all the details of the
war and of the insults that Smbat had paid him. When Gagik heard his
brother's words, he said to his brother: "Keep silent, we must repay the blood
of our father Deren". Thereafter Smbat bore rancour towards Gagik and
Gorgen 252 .
There was a Persian from the province of Asot, which was by the shore of
the lake of Bznunik', in the castle of Amiuk. They (the Persians?) held the
territory of the province of Amiuk [197] as far as the river Arest, and
Amretak'ar 253 . He had brothers, and they were vassals to Smbat. And Gagik
was unable to say anything. He was a valiant man; his name was Apusakr from
the house of Zandewan 254 . He had freed many castles round about ...
Translated from the Armenian with Notes by Robert W. Thomson
249 Armenia: i.e. Bagratid Armenia, distinguished from Arcruni lands. The implication above, p. 161, is that Hranus had sent a message, not that she had gone in person.
2 5 0 Cf. above, p. 173-5.
2 5 1 Flying bird: cf. p. 191.
252
For Smbat's rancour, cf. the CONTINUATOR to T.A., p. 281-2.
D.-M. emends Amretak'ar to Amiwkak'ar, "rock of Amiwk".

254 The CONTINUATOR to T.A., p. 282, states that Apusakr Vahuni controlled Amiwk,
which he betrayed to Smbat. He is not mentioned elsewhere.
253
230
R.W. THOMSON
BIBLIOGRAPHY
ARMENIAN
TEXTS
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(Tiflis, 1909; reprinted Delmar, N.Y. 1980). R.W. THOMSON. Agathangelos: History
of the Armenians (Albany, 1976). (Text, translation, and commentary; the "Teaching" is omitted.) R.W. THOMSON. The Teaching of Saint Gregory (Cambridge,
Mass. 1970).
Ankanon Girk'. vol. Ill, ed. K'. C'rak'ean (Venice, 1904).
ARAK'EL DAVRIZEC'I. Patmut'iwn Afak'el vardapeti Dawrizec'woy (Valarsapat, 1884,
1896).
AX = Asxarhac'oyc'. Long Recension: A. SOUKRY, Geographic de Mo'ise de Chorene
(Venice, 1881). Short Recension: in MOVSES XORENAC'I, Matenagrut'iwnk' (Venice,
1865), p. 585-616.
ASOLIK. Stcp'anos Taronec'woy Patmut'iwn tiezarakan, ed. S. Malxasean (St. Petersburg
1885). French translations, E. DULAURIER. Etienne Acoghig de Daron, Histoire
Universelle (Paris, 1883), (Books I and II). F. MACLER, Etienne Asolik de Taron.
Histoire universelle (Paris, 1917). (Book III).
ELISE. Elisei vasn Vardanay ew Hayoc' Paterazmin, ed. E. Ter-Minasyan (Erevan, 1957).
English translation, R.W. THOMSON. Eiishe: History of Vardan and the Armenian
War (Cambridge, Mass., 1982).
History of the Holy Hfip'simeanc' = Patmut'iwn srboc' Hfip'simeanc', in MOVSES XORENAC'I, Matenagrut'iwnk' (Venice. 1865), p. 297-303.
J.K. = JOHN KAT'OLIKOS. Yovhannes Drasxanakertc'i, Patmut'iwn Hayoc', ed. M. Emin
(Moscow, 1853; reprinted Tifiis 1912; Delmar, N.Y. 1980). English translation, K.H.
MAKSOUDIAN. Yovhannes Drasxanakertc'i. History of Armenia (Atlanta, 1987).
JOHN MAMIKONEAN. Yovhan Mamikonean, Patmut'iwn Taronoy (Venice, 1889). French
translation in V. LANGLOIS, Collection des historiens anciens el modernes de I'Armenie,
vol. I (Paris, 1867), p. 357-384.
JUANSER. Hamafot Patmut'iwn Vrac' encayeal Juanseri patmic'i, ed. A. Tiroyean (Venice,
1884). French translation, F.M. BROSSET, "Chronique armenienne", in Additions et
Eclaircissements a /'Histoire de la Georgie (St. Petersburg, 1851), p. 1-61.
KIRAKOS GANJAKEC'I. Patmut'iwn Hayoc', ed. Melik'-Ohanjanyan (Erevan, 1961). French
translation, M. BROSSET, "Histoire de I'Armenie par le vartabed Kirakos de Gantzac", in Deux historiens armeniens (St. Petersburg, 1870), p. 1-194.
KORIUN. Vark' Mastoc'i, ed. M. Abetean (Erevan, 1941; reprinted Delmar, N.Y., 1985
with English translation by B. NOREHAD. Koriun: The Life of Mashtots, New York,
1964).
LAZAR P'ARPEC'I. Patmut'iwn Hayoc', ed. G. Ter-Mkrtc'ean and S. Malxasean (Tiflis,
1904; reprinted Delmar, N.Y. 1987). French translation in V. LANGLOIS, Collection
des historiens anciens et modernes de I'Armenie, vol. II (Paris, 1869), p. 253-368.
LEWOND. Patmut'iwn, ed. K. Ezean (St. Petersburg, 1887). English translation, Z.
ARZOUMANIAN. The History of Lewond (Philadelphia, 1982).
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23 1
(Moscow, 1860; reprinted Tiflis, 1912). English translation, C.J.F. DOWSETT. The
History of the Caucasian Albanians by Movses Dasxuranc'i (London, 1961).
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(Tiflis 1913; reprinted Delmar, N.Y., 1981). English translation, R.W. THOMSON.
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V. LANGLOIS, Collection des historiens anciens et modernes de I'Armenie, vol. I (Paris,
1867), p. 201-312.
PSEUDO-CALLISTHENES. Patmul'iwn Alek'sandri Makenodac'woy (Venice, 1842). English
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SAMUEL ANEC'I. Hawak'munk' i groc'palmagrac', ed. A. Ter-Mikaelean, Ejmiacin 1893.
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(St. Petersburg, 1876), p. 339-483.
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reprinted Tiflis, 1910). French translation, M. BROSSET. Histoire de la Siounie par
Stephannos Orbe/ian, 2 vols. (St. Petersburg 1864, 1866).
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Arlsruni: History of the House of the Arlsrunik' (Detroit, 1985).
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H. Perperean (Paris, 1960).
L1TERA TV RE
A.G.
ADONTZ
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232
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D. Kouymjian (Lisbon, 1986), pp. 829-858.

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What are the different types of Armenian histories mentioned?

What are the different types of Armenian histories mentioned?

What is the work being translated in the document?

What is the work being translated in the document?

REVUE DBS ETUDES

PUBLIE AVEC LE CON.COURS

ASSOCIATION DE LA REVUE DBS ETUDES ARMENIENNES

THE ANONYMOUS STORY-TELLER

For a general survey of Armenian literature see DEETERS/SOLTA/INGLISIAN, 1963.

Robert W. THOMSON, REArm 21 (1988-1989) 171-232.

of stories (often fabulous) primarily dealing with the Arcruni noble

For a review of previous scholarship see the Introduction to DARBINJAN-MELIKJAN,

THE ANONYMOUS STORY-TELLER

The second half of the text is more unified. It gives an account of

Despite close contacts with Muslim culture in all aspects of life or

THE ANONYMOUS STORY-TELLER

to the Persian court disguised as a merchant. He was able to send word

Yard plays an important role in the construction of this Anonymous

The marriage of an Arcruni prince with a Bagratid princess is well

THE ANONYMOUS STORY-TELLER

Sopci, daughter of king Asot I (grandson of Msaker) married Grigor

Deren = princess from Siunik'

Asot (no further details given)

No such trio of Arcruni brothers is attested, though two sets might

a daughter = Grigor Bagratuni

See LEWOND, ch. 29.

See T. A., II.5-7.

THE ANONYMOUS STORY-TELLER

See p. 187 and notes.

THE ANONYMOUS STORY-TELLER

THE ANONYMOUS STORY-TELLER

THE ANONYMOUS STORY-TELLER

THE ANONYMOUS STORY-TELLER

THE ANONYMOUS STORY-TELLER

THE ANONYMOUS STORY-TELLER

THE ANONYMOUS STORY-TELLER

THE ANONYMOUS STORY-TELLER

THE ANONYMOUS STORY-TELLER

LEWOND refers to survivors being driven by the storm to Thrace.

LEWOND also refers to the Muslim survivors resorting to cannibalism.

THE ANONYMOUS STORY-TELLER

and I confirmed the deed of my legislator 89 and father Mahmet. I have

THE ANONYMOUS STORY-TELLER

THE ANONYMOUS STORY-TELLER

THE ANONYMOUS STORY-TELLER

THE ANONYMOUS STORY-TELLER

THE ANONYMOUS STORY-TELLER

For the Cross of Varag see above, p. 107, n. 112.

When they reached Arzun, which is in Mesopotamia, Deren's brothers heard

For Van as the city of Samiram see M.X. 1.16.

THE ANONYMOUS STORY-TELLER

THE ANONYMOUS STORY-TELLER

THE ANONYMOUS STORY-TELLER

Three: emending z to g in view of the following phrase.

THE ANONYMOUS STORY-TELLER

THE ANONYMOUS STORY-TELLER

THE ANONYMOUS STORY-TELLER

According to the ANONYMOUS CONTINUATOR (T.A., p. 263) Gagik Apumrvan and

THE ANONYMOUS STORY-TELLER

THE ANONYMOUS STORY-TELLER