Armenian History attributed to Sebeos, The: Parts 1 and 2

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. His main theme covers the reign of Khosrov II (589-628) and the early Muslim expansion, emphasizing Armenian participation in the international scene. This is the first English translation of the 1979 critical edition of the classical Armenian text. Notes to the translation elucidate persons and dates, and explain difficulties in the original Armenian. The detailed Historical Commentary compares Sebeos’ account with other available sources and highlights the particular value of this Armenian witness to the momentous events of his time. This book 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. The notes are specifically aimed at the reader unfamiliar with Armenian; with the maps and appendices they will guide the non-specialist through the complexities of Armenian society and the intricacies of family politics. Specialists too will find the book challenging. The historical commentary makes an original contribution to modem scholarship on the period, and assesses the accuracy and value of this Armenian text. Historical commentary by James Howard-Johnston. Assistance from Tim Greenwood.