The History of Ancient Armenia. Mythology, Religion, Inner Life of the Country, Connections with the Outside World

In the book of Moses of Khoren, an outstanding writer of the early Middle Ages, the history of Ancient Armenia is presented from the patriarch Noah to the era of Alexander the Great's conquests and from the ascension of Arshak I to the fall of the Armenian kingdom. In creating the chronicle of the oldest state of Transcaucasia, the father of Armenian historiography referred to biblical traditions, Persian and Greek sources, as well as to pre-Christian literature, mythology, and pagan beliefs of the peoples of the Armenian highland. Special attention is given to the period of Christianization of the South Caucasus and the enlightening activities of Saint Gregory. The narrative is distinguished by historical accuracy, vivid portraits of rulers, spiritual teachers, and folk heroes, as well as by the elegance and high imagery of the language. The work of Moses of Khoren has been translated into Russian by N.O. Emin, a professor at the Lazarev Institute of Oriental Languages. The appendix contains a complete list of kings, an overview of geographical objects, as well as a sketch of the political and administrative structure of Ancient Armenia.