The Armenian History Attributed to Sebeos (Translated Texts for Historians LUP) (Volume 31)

This, The First English Translation Of The 1979 Critical Edition Of The Classical Armenian Text, Is Of Interest To All Those Studying The Middle East In Late Antiquity, Since Sebeos Not Only Sets The Scene For The Coming Of Islam But Provides The Only Substantial Non-muslim Account Of The Initial Period Of Expansion. The Notes Are Specifically Aimed At The Reader Unfamiliar With Armenian. The Historical Commentary Makes An Original Contribution To Modern Scholarship On The Period, And Assesses The Accuracy And Value Of The Text. Pt. 1. Translation And Notes -- Pt. 2. Historical Commentary. Translated, With Notes, By R.w. Thomson ; Historical Commentary By James Howard-johnston ; Assistance From Tim Greenwood. The Following Translation Has Been Made From The Critical Edition Of The Text Prepared By G.v. Abgaryan Entitled Patmutʻiwn Sebeosi (erevan, 1979)--note To The Reader. Translation Of: Patmutʻiwn I Herakln. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [289]-308) And Indexes. Title Page Table of Contents Preface Transcription of Armenian Abbreviations Introduction I. Historical Background (i) Armenia in Late Antiquity (ii) Relations between the Great Powers (iii) Late Sixth Century (iv) The Last GreatWar of Antiquity (v) The Arab Conquests II. The Armenian Text (i) The Manuscripts (ii) Contents of the Text (iii) The Attribution to Sebeos (a) Sebeos the Bishop (b) The Text in LaterHistorians (c) The ‘History of Heraclius’ (iv) The Date of Sebeos’ History (v) Sebeos in the Tradition of Armenian Historical Writing (a) His Predecessors (b) Features inCommon andDi¡erences (c) The Geographical Sweep (d) The Purpose of Historical Writing (vi) Literary Characteristics (a) The Bible (b) The Use of Speeches and Letters (c) Sebeos’ Chronology III. Sebeos as Historian (i) Sources (ii) Editorial Treatment (iii) Value of Sebeos’History Note to the Reader Annotated Translation Historical Commentary Introduction I. Section I (64-105) II. Section II (106-134) III. Section III (134-177) Bibliography I. Texts II. Secondary Literature Indices I. Biblical Quotations and Allusions II. Technical Terms III. Armenian Personal Names by Family IV. Personal Names V. Geographical Index VI. List of Historical Notes Maps The History attributed to Sebeos is one of the major works of early Armenian historiography. Although anonymous, it was written in the middle of the seventh century, a time when comparable chronicles in Greek and Syriac are sparse. Sebeos traces the fortunes of Armenia in the sixth and seventh centuries within the broader framework of the Byzantine-Sasanian conflict. Comprising two volumes, part 1 (240 pages) is the translation and notes followed by part 2 (216 pages) which contains the historical commentary, this excellent publication will be of interest to all those involved in the study of Armenia, the Caucasus, the Eastern Roman Empire and the Middle East in late antiquity. It will be of particular value to Islamicists, since Sebeos not only sets the scene for the coming of Islam, but provides the only substantial non-Muslim account of the initial period of expansion.