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{{Infobox royalty
{{Infobox royalty
| type = monarch
| type = monarch
| name = Vahan II Mamikonian <br> Վահան Ա Մամիկոնյան
| name = Vahan I Mamikonian <br> Վահան Ա Մամիկոնյան
| image = Vahan Mamikonyan.jpg
| image = Vahan Mamikonyan.jpg
| caption = Artwork of Vahan II
| caption = Artwork of Vahan I
| succession = [[Marzban]] of [[Persian Armenia]]
| succession = [[Marzban]] of [[Persian Armenia]]
| reign = 485 - 510
| reign = 485 - 510
Line 25: Line 25:
| religion = [[Christianity]]
| religion = [[Christianity]]
}}
}}
'''Vahan II Mamikonian''' ([[Armenian language|Armenian]]: Վահան Ա Մամիկոնյան) (born between 440-445 and died between 503-510) was an Armenian nobleman from the [[Mamikonian]] family. In 481 he rebelled against the [[Sasanian Empire]] that controlled the eastern part of Armenia known as [[Persian Armenia]]. He was appointed as [[marzban]] (governor) of Persian Armenia in 485, and would remain that until his death around 503-510.
'''Vahan I Mamikonian''' ([[Armenian language|Armenian]]: Վահան Ա Մամիկոնյան) (born between 440-445 and died between 503-510) was an Armenian nobleman from the [[Mamikonian]] family. In 481 he rebelled against the [[Sasanian Empire]] that controlled the eastern part of Armenia known as [[Persian Armenia]]. He was appointed as [[marzban]] (governor) of Persian Armenia in 485, and would remain that until his death around 503-510.


==Background==
==Background==
Line 32: Line 32:
==Biography==
==Biography==
===Youth===
===Youth===
Vahan was born around 440 - 445.<ref>{{Harvsp|Settipani|2006|p=309-310}}.</ref> He was the eldest son of Hmayeak Mamikonian and Dzoyk, he had 3 younger siblings named Vard, Vasak, and Artaxias. His father was killed by guerrillas at [[Tao (historical region)|Tao]] in the aftermath of the [[battle of Avarayr]]. Vahan II, along with Vasak and Artaxias, was captured by the [[marzban]] of Armenia and was deported to [[Ctesiphon]]; sentenced to apostasy, and was "weakened in their faith," according to his friend of childhood and contemporary historian Ghazar Parpetsi.<ref name="Grousset 215">{{Harvsp|Grousset|1947|p=215}}.</ref>
Vahan was born around 440 - 445.<ref>{{Harvsp|Settipani|2006|p=309-310}}.</ref> He was the eldest son of Hmayeak Mamikonian and Dzoyk, he had 3 younger siblings named Vard, Vasak, and Artaxias. His father was killed by guerrillas at [[Tao (historical region)|Tao]] in the aftermath of the [[battle of Avarayr]]. Vahan, along with Vasak and Artaxias, was captured by the [[marzban]] of Armenia and was deported to [[Ctesiphon]]; sentenced to apostasy, and was "weakened in their faith," according to his friend of childhood and contemporary historian Ghazar Parpetsi.<ref name="Grousset 215">{{Harvsp|Grousset|1947|p=215}}.</ref>


The three brothers were sentenced to death, however, were released with the help of [[margrave]] of [[Gugark]]. Vahan then regained his possessions, however, he was accused of misappropriation of income are gold mines, a charge to which he responds by making spontaneously [[Ctesiphon]] with a large amount.<ref name="Dédéyan 192">{{Harvsp|Dédéyan|2007|p=192}}.</ref>
The three brothers were sentenced to death, however, were released with the help of [[margrave]] of [[Gugark]]. Vahan then regained his possessions, however, he was accused of misappropriation of income are gold mines, a charge to which he responds by making spontaneously [[Ctesiphon]] with a large amount.<ref name="Dédéyan 192">{{Harvsp|Dédéyan|2007|p=192}}.</ref>
Line 39: Line 39:
[[File:Persian Armenia.gif|thumb|300px|Map of [[Persian Armenia]].]]
[[File:Persian Armenia.gif|thumb|300px|Map of [[Persian Armenia]].]]
[[File:The return to the homeland.jpg|thumb|250px|Vahan II's arrival to [[Dvin]].]]
[[File:The return to the homeland.jpg|thumb|250px|Vahan II's arrival to [[Dvin]].]]
In the aftermath of [[battle of Avarayr]], the Armenians were constantly ordered by the [[Sasanians]] to go to distant military expeditions, and are also required to accept the growing power of the apostasy. In this context, the appeal positively received the revolt of [[Vakhtang I of Iberia]] (r. 447/449 - 502/522), who had rebelled against the Persians. Vahan II hesitated to join the rebellion in 481,<ref>{{harv|name=Grous217|Grousset|1947|p=217}}</ref> requiring other rebels did oath on the cross of the Gospel to remain faithful to the covenant he then proclaimed [[Spahbed]]. The oath is, however, reported directly to Varaz-Shapur Amatuni marzpan, Adhur Gushnasp who abandoned [[Dvin]], the capital, and took refuge first in Artaxata and then in Persia; Vahan II replaced it with Isaac II Bagratuni, at that time one aspet ("cavalry commander"). However, Adhur Gushnasp led a force 7000 Knights against the insurgents, who were defeated by 400 horsemen led by Vahan II in battle Akori (northern slope of Ararat),<ref>{{harv|Grousset|1947|p=218}}</ref> the marzban was also killed. Baanes hitherto remained in [[Dvin]] in defense of the capital, but in early 483 met reinforcements Persians, defeating them at the Battle of Nersehapat in Artaz (region of Maku.)
In the aftermath of [[battle of Avarayr]], the Armenians were constantly ordered by the [[Sasanians]] to go to distant military expeditions, and are also required to accept the growing power of the apostasy. In this context, the appeal positively received the revolt of [[Vakhtang I of Iberia]] (r. 447/449 - 502/522), who had rebelled against the Persians. Vahan hesitated to join the rebellion in 481,<ref>{{harv|name=Grous217|Grousset|1947|p=217}}</ref> requiring other rebels did oath on the cross of the Gospel to remain faithful to the covenant he then proclaimed [[Spahbed]]. The oath is, however, reported directly to Varaz-Shapur Amatuni marzpan, Adhur Gushnasp who abandoned [[Dvin]], the capital, and took refuge first in Artaxata and then in Persia; Vahan replaced it with Isaac II Bagratuni, at that time one aspet ("cavalry commander"). However, Adhur Gushnasp led a force 7000 Knights against the insurgents, who were defeated by 400 horsemen led by Vahan in battle Akori (northern slope of Ararat),<ref>{{harv|Grousset|1947|p=218}}</ref> the marzban was also killed. Baanes hitherto remained in [[Dvin]] in defense of the capital, but in early 483 met reinforcements Persians, defeating them at the Battle of Nersehapat in Artaz (region of Maku.)


Vahan II then received a letter from [[Vakhtang I of Iberia|Vakhtang]] who was with his troops near the [[Kura river]] to find the Sasanian army under Shapur Mihran.<ref>{{harv|name=Dedey193|Dédéyan|2007|p=193}}</ref> Crazed by the lack of promised reinforcements, the Armenians were defeated in 483 at the battle of Akesga<ref>{{harv|Grousset|1947|p=221}}</ref> that among other consequences, caused the death of Isaac and Vasak Mamikonian Bagratuni II. Vahan II then went to Tao while Shapur Mihran was returning to [[Ctesiphon]], allowing Armenians regain control of the [[Arax river]] during winter. In the spring of 484, Shapur Mihran returns as head of a new army and forces Vahan II to go to refuge near the Byzantine frontier, at [[Tao (historical region)|Tao]] and [[Taron (historic Armenia)|Taron]].<ref>{{harv|Grousset|1947|p=223}}</ref>
Vahan then received a letter from [[Vakhtang I of Iberia|Vakhtang]] who was with his troops near the [[Kura river]] to find the Sasanian army under Shapur Mihran.<ref>{{harv|name=Dedey193|Dédéyan|2007|p=193}}</ref> Crazed by the lack of promised reinforcements, the Armenians were defeated in 483 at the battle of Akesga<ref>{{harv|Grousset|1947|p=221}}</ref> that among other consequences, caused the death of Isaac and Vasak Mamikonian Bagratuni II. Vahan then went to Tao while Shapur Mihran was returning to [[Ctesiphon]], allowing Armenians regain control of the [[Arax river]] during winter. In the spring of 484, Shapur Mihran returns as head of a new army and forces Vahan to go to refuge near the Byzantine frontier, at [[Tao (historical region)|Tao]] and [[Taron (historic Armenia)|Taron]].<ref>{{harv|Grousset|1947|p=223}}</ref>


==Marzban of Armenia==
==Marzban of Armenia==
However, an unexpected event changed the course of events: the death of the Sasanian king [[Peroz I]] in 484 in war against the [[Hephthalites]], causing the withdrawal of the Persians in Armenia and recovery of [[Dvin]] and Vagarsapat. Struggling to suppress the revolt Zariadres, Peroz's successor, [[Balash]] (r. 484-488), needed the help of the Armenians: in exchange for military support, he agreed to sign the [[Nvarsak Treaty]], which granted religious freedom to the Christians and the prohibition of [[Zoroastrianism]] in Armenia, including much greater autonomy for the [[Nakharar]]. Vahan II was also recognized as [[Spahbed]] and the property of the Mamikonian family and its allies were returned.
However, an unexpected event changed the course of events: the death of the Sasanian king [[Peroz I]] in 484 in war against the [[Hephthalites]], causing the withdrawal of the Persians in Armenia and recovery of [[Dvin]] and Vagarsapat. Struggling to suppress the revolt Zariadres, Peroz's successor, [[Balash]] (r. 484-488), needed the help of the Armenians: in exchange for military support, he agreed to sign the [[Nvarsak Treaty]], which granted religious freedom to the Christians and the prohibition of [[Zoroastrianism]] in Armenia, including much greater autonomy for the [[Nakharar]]. Vahan was also recognized as [[Spahbed]] and the property of the Mamikonian family and its allies were returned.


During the same period, Vahan II was appointed as [[marzban]] in 485, and appointed his brother Vard as [[Spahbed]]. According to catholicoi John I Mandacuni and Babgeno, Christianity flourished during his reign<ref>{{harv|name=Dedey194|Dédéyan|2007|p=194}}</ref>; churches were restored, and the the church of St. Gregory was enlarged. The Cathedral Vagarsapat was also rebuilt. The country enjoyed relative peace, despite the failed attempt of the successor [[Balash]], [[Kavadh I]] (r. 488-496, 499-531), to impose on the propositions Nevarsak. In 489, Vahan II along with Vatchagan III, King of [[Caucasian Albania|Albania]],<ref>{{harv|Dédéyan|2007|p=193}}</ref> repelled an [[Hephthalites|Hephthalite]] incursion. Vahan II later died between 503 and 510 and was succeeded by his brother Vard Mamaikonian.<ref>{{harv|Dédéyan|2007|p=195}}</ref> According to [[Cyril Toumanoff]], Vahan II Mamikonian hypothetically would have been the father of Artavasdes, the father of Samuel I, [[Spahbed]] at 555.<ref>{{harv|Toumanoff|1990|p=333}}</ref>
During the same period, Vahan was appointed as [[marzban]] in 485, and appointed his brother Vard as [[Spahbed]]. According to catholicoi John I Mandacuni and Babgeno, Christianity flourished during his reign<ref>{{harv|name=Dedey194|Dédéyan|2007|p=194}}</ref>; churches were restored, and the the church of St. Gregory was enlarged. The Cathedral Vagarsapat was also rebuilt. The country enjoyed relative peace, despite the failed attempt of the successor [[Balash]], [[Kavadh I]] (r. 488-496, 499-531), to impose on the propositions Nevarsak. In 489, Vahan along with Vatchagan III, King of [[Caucasian Albania|Albania]],<ref>{{harv|Dédéyan|2007|p=193}}</ref> repelled an [[Hephthalites|Hephthalite]] incursion. Vahan later died between 503 and 510 and was succeeded by his brother Vard Mamaikonian.<ref>{{harv|Dédéyan|2007|p=195}}</ref> According to [[Cyril Toumanoff]], Vahan Mamikonian hypothetically would have been the father of Artavasdes, the father of Samuel I, [[Spahbed]] at 555.<ref>{{harv|Toumanoff|1990|p=333}}</ref>


==Family tree==
==Family tree==

Revision as of 14:18, 6 October 2013

Vahan I Mamikonian
Վահան Ա Մամիկոնյան
Artwork of Vahan I
Marzban of Persian Armenia
Reign485 - 510
PredecessorShapur of Ray
SuccessorVard Mamikonian
Born440-445
Died503-510
HouseHouse of Mamikonian
FatherHmayeak Mamikonian
MotherDzoyk Arçrouni
ReligionChristianity

Vahan I Mamikonian (Armenian: Վահան Ա Մամիկոնյան) (born between 440-445 and died between 503-510) was an Armenian nobleman from the Mamikonian family. In 481 he rebelled against the Sasanian Empire that controlled the eastern part of Armenia known as Persian Armenia. He was appointed as marzban (governor) of Persian Armenia in 485, and would remain that until his death around 503-510.

Background

Since 387, the kingdom of Armenia was divided into two zones of influence, Byzantine Armenia and Persian Armenia. In addition, in 428, the the last Arsacid monarch, Artaxias IV, was desposed by his overlord Bahram V at the request of the Armenian Nakharar's, thus inaugurating the Marzpanate period in Persian Armenia. Very quickly, the Armenians disillusioned: in 449, Yazdegerd II ordered the nobility to convert to Zoroastrianism.[1] The Armenians revolted under the leadership of Vardan Mamikonian, but were defeated on 2 June 451 (or May 26) at the battle of Avarayr; most Nakharar's who participated in the revolt were deported to Ctesiphon.[2]

Biography

Youth

Vahan was born around 440 - 445.[3] He was the eldest son of Hmayeak Mamikonian and Dzoyk, he had 3 younger siblings named Vard, Vasak, and Artaxias. His father was killed by guerrillas at Tao in the aftermath of the battle of Avarayr. Vahan, along with Vasak and Artaxias, was captured by the marzban of Armenia and was deported to Ctesiphon; sentenced to apostasy, and was "weakened in their faith," according to his friend of childhood and contemporary historian Ghazar Parpetsi.[4]

The three brothers were sentenced to death, however, were released with the help of margrave of Gugark. Vahan then regained his possessions, however, he was accused of misappropriation of income are gold mines, a charge to which he responds by making spontaneously Ctesiphon with a large amount.[5]

Revolt

Map of Persian Armenia.
Vahan II's arrival to Dvin.

In the aftermath of battle of Avarayr, the Armenians were constantly ordered by the Sasanians to go to distant military expeditions, and are also required to accept the growing power of the apostasy. In this context, the appeal positively received the revolt of Vakhtang I of Iberia (r. 447/449 - 502/522), who had rebelled against the Persians. Vahan hesitated to join the rebellion in 481,[6] requiring other rebels did oath on the cross of the Gospel to remain faithful to the covenant he then proclaimed Spahbed. The oath is, however, reported directly to Varaz-Shapur Amatuni marzpan, Adhur Gushnasp who abandoned Dvin, the capital, and took refuge first in Artaxata and then in Persia; Vahan replaced it with Isaac II Bagratuni, at that time one aspet ("cavalry commander"). However, Adhur Gushnasp led a force 7000 Knights against the insurgents, who were defeated by 400 horsemen led by Vahan in battle Akori (northern slope of Ararat),[7] the marzban was also killed. Baanes hitherto remained in Dvin in defense of the capital, but in early 483 met reinforcements Persians, defeating them at the Battle of Nersehapat in Artaz (region of Maku.)

Vahan then received a letter from Vakhtang who was with his troops near the Kura river to find the Sasanian army under Shapur Mihran.[8] Crazed by the lack of promised reinforcements, the Armenians were defeated in 483 at the battle of Akesga[9] that among other consequences, caused the death of Isaac and Vasak Mamikonian Bagratuni II. Vahan then went to Tao while Shapur Mihran was returning to Ctesiphon, allowing Armenians regain control of the Arax river during winter. In the spring of 484, Shapur Mihran returns as head of a new army and forces Vahan to go to refuge near the Byzantine frontier, at Tao and Taron.[10]

Marzban of Armenia

However, an unexpected event changed the course of events: the death of the Sasanian king Peroz I in 484 in war against the Hephthalites, causing the withdrawal of the Persians in Armenia and recovery of Dvin and Vagarsapat. Struggling to suppress the revolt Zariadres, Peroz's successor, Balash (r. 484-488), needed the help of the Armenians: in exchange for military support, he agreed to sign the Nvarsak Treaty, which granted religious freedom to the Christians and the prohibition of Zoroastrianism in Armenia, including much greater autonomy for the Nakharar. Vahan was also recognized as Spahbed and the property of the Mamikonian family and its allies were returned.

During the same period, Vahan was appointed as marzban in 485, and appointed his brother Vard as Spahbed. According to catholicoi John I Mandacuni and Babgeno, Christianity flourished during his reign[11]; churches were restored, and the the church of St. Gregory was enlarged. The Cathedral Vagarsapat was also rebuilt. The country enjoyed relative peace, despite the failed attempt of the successor Balash, Kavadh I (r. 488-496, 499-531), to impose on the propositions Nevarsak. In 489, Vahan along with Vatchagan III, King of Albania,[12] repelled an Hephthalite incursion. Vahan later died between 503 and 510 and was succeeded by his brother Vard Mamaikonian.[13] According to Cyril Toumanoff, Vahan Mamikonian hypothetically would have been the father of Artavasdes, the father of Samuel I, Spahbed at 555.[14]

Family tree

Hmayeak MamikonianDzoyk Arçrouni
ArtaxiasVasakVahan II MamikonianVard
Artavasdes
Samuel

References

  1. ^ Dédéyan 2007, p. 187
  2. ^ Dédéyan 2007, p. 190
  3. ^ Settipani 2006, p. 309-310.
  4. ^ Grousset 1947, p. 215.
  5. ^ Dédéyan 2007, p. 192.
  6. ^ (Grousset 1947, p. 217)
  7. ^ (Grousset 1947, p. 218)
  8. ^ (Dédéyan 2007, p. 193)
  9. ^ (Grousset 1947, p. 221)
  10. ^ (Grousset 1947, p. 223)
  11. ^ (Dédéyan 2007, p. 194)
  12. ^ (Dédéyan 2007, p. 193)
  13. ^ (Dédéyan 2007, p. 195)
  14. ^ (Toumanoff 1990, p. 333)

Bibliography

  • Dédéyan, Gérard (2007). History of the Armenian people. Tolosa: Privat. ISBN 978-2-7089-6874-5. {{cite book}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help)
  • Donabédian, Patrick (1987). Les arts arméniens. Paris: Éditions Mazenod. ISBN 2-85088-017-5. {{cite book}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help); Unknown parameter |coauthor= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  • Grousset, René (1947). Histoire de l’Arménie des origines à 1071. Paris. {{cite book}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help)CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  • Jacobus, Donald Lines (1993). The American Genealogist, Volumes 68-69. Universidade de Wisconsin - Madison: D.L. Jacobus. {{cite book}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help)
  • Mutafian, Claude (2005). Atlas historique de l'Arménie. Autrement. ISBN 978-2746701007. {{cite book}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help); Unknown parameter |coauthor= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  • Settipani, Christian (2006). Continuité des élites à Byzance durant les siècles obscurs. Les princes caucasiens et l'Empire du vie au ixe siècle. Paris: de Boccard. ISBN 978-2-7018-0226-8. {{cite book}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help)
  • Toumanoff, Cyril (1990). As dinastias do Cáucaso cristão na Antiguidade ao século XIX: tabelas genealógicas e cronológicas. Rome. {{cite book}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help)CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  • Yarshater, Ehsan (1983). The Cambridge History of Iran: The Seleucid, Parthian, and Sasanian periods. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 052120092X. {{cite book}}: Invalid |ref=harv (help)
Preceded by Marzban of Persian Armenia
485–510 		Succeeded by
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