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{{Infobox officeholder
{{Infobox officeholder
|name = Vahan Mamikonian
|name = Vahan Mamikonian
|native_name = Վահան Մամիկոնյան
|native_name = Վահան Մամիկոնեան
|image = Vahan Mamikonyan.jpg
|image = Vahan Mamikonyan.jpg
|imagesize =
|imagesize =
|alt =
|alt =
|caption = Artwork of Vahan I
|caption = Modern artistic portrayal of Vahan
|office = ''[[Marzban]]'' of [[Persian Armenia]]
|office = ''[[Marzban]]'' of [[Persian Armenia]]
|term_start = 485
|term_start = 485
Line 17: Line 17:
|death_place = [[Marzpanate Armenia]]
|death_place = [[Marzpanate Armenia]]
|birthname =
|birthname =
|religion = [[Christianity]]
}}
}}
'''Vahan Mamikonian''' ({{lang-hy|Վահան Մամիկոնյան}}) (440/445{{spaced ndash}}503/510) was an [[Armenians|Armenian]] nobleman from the [[Mamikonian|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 Mamikonian''' ({{lang-hy|Վահան Մամիկոնեան}}; {{c.}} 440/445{{spaced ndash}}503/510) was an [[Armenians|Armenian]] nobleman from the [[Mamikonian|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 remained in that post until his death around 503-510.


==Background==
==Background==
Since 387, the kingdom of Armenia was divided into two zones of influence, [[Byzantine Armenia]] and [[Persian Armenia]]. In addition, in 428, the last Arsacid monarch, [[Artaxias IV]], was deposed by his overlord [[Bahram V]] at the request of the Armenian ''[[nakharar]]s'', thus starting the [[Marzpanate Armenia|Marzpanate period]] in Persian Armenia. Very quickly, the Armenians were disillusioned: in 449, [[Yazdegerd II]] ordered the nobility to convert to [[Zoroastrianism]].<ref name="Dédéyan 187">{{Harvsp|Dédéyan|2007|p=187}}</ref> 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 ''nakharars'' who participated in the revolt were deported to [[Ctesiphon]].<ref name="Dédéyan 190">{{Harvsp|Dédéyan|2007|p=190}}</ref>
From 387 the kingdom of Armenia was divided into two zones of influence, [[Byzantine Armenia]] and [[Persian Armenia]]. In 428 the last Arsacid Armenian monarch, [[Artaxias IV]], was deposed by his overlord [[Bahram V]] at the request of the Armenian ''[[nakharar]]s'', thus starting the [[Marzpanate Armenia|Marzpanate period]] in Persian Armenia. Very quickly, the Armenians were disillusioned: in 449, [[Yazdegerd II]] ordered the nobility to convert to [[Zoroastrianism]].<ref name="Dédéyan 187">{{Harvsp|Dédéyan|2007|p=187}}</ref> 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 ''nakharars'' who participated in the revolt were deported to [[Ctesiphon]].<ref name="Dédéyan 190">{{Harvsp|Dédéyan|2007|p=190}}</ref>


==Youth==
==Youth==
Vahan was born around 440 - 445.<ref>{{Harvsp|Settipani|2006|pp=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 [Tayk] 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 childhood friend 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|pp=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 [[Tayk]] 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 childhood friend 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 [[Mihranids|Mihranid]] prince [[Arshusha II]]. Vahan then regained his possessions, however, he was accused of misappropriation of income of gold mines, and had to pay a large sum of money to the [[Sasanians]].<ref name="Dédéyan 192">{{Harvsp|Dédéyan|2007|p=192}}.</ref>
The three brothers were sentenced to death, however, were released with the help of [[Mihranids|Mihranid]] prince [[Arshusha II]]. Vahan then regained his possessions, however, he was accused of misappropriation of income of gold mines, and had to pay a large sum of money to the [[Sasanians]].<ref name="Dédéyan 192">{{Harvsp|Dédéyan|2007|p=192}}.</ref>
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In the aftermath of [[battle of Avarayr]], the Armenians were constantly ordered by the Sasanians to go to distant military expeditions, mostly in Eastern Persia. They were also required to accept the growing power of the apostasy, which resulted in the revolt of [[Vakhtang I of Iberia]] (r. 447/449 - 502/522), and was positively received by the Armenians. Vahan hesitated to join the rebellion in 481,<ref>{{harv|name=Grous217|Grousset|1947|p=217}}</ref> making [[Adhur Gushnasp]], the ''marzban'' of Armenia, abandon [[Dvin (ancient city)|Dvin]] and take refugee in [[Artashat (ancient city)|Artashat]].
In the aftermath of [[battle of Avarayr]], the Armenians were constantly ordered by the Sasanians to go to distant military expeditions, mostly in Eastern Persia. They were also required to accept the growing power of the apostasy, which resulted in the revolt of [[Vakhtang I of Iberia]] (r. 447/449 - 502/522), and was positively received by the Armenians. Vahan hesitated to join the rebellion in 481,<ref>{{harv|name=Grous217|Grousset|1947|p=217}}</ref> making [[Adhur Gushnasp]], the ''marzban'' of Armenia, abandon [[Dvin (ancient city)|Dvin]] and take refugee in [[Artashat (ancient city)|Artashat]].


Vahan then asked the other rebels to take an oath on the cross of the Gospel to remain faithful to the covenant he would proclaim as the new ''marzban'' of Armenia, and proclaimed [[Sahak II Bagratuni]] as the new ''marzban''. However, Adhur Gushnasp returned from refugee with an force of 7000 horsemen against the insurgents, he was, however, defeated and killed by Vahan and his army at the battle at Akori (northern slope of Ararat),<ref>{{harv|Grousset|1947|p=218}}</ref> Vahan hitherto remained in [[Dvin (ancient city)|Dvin]] to protect the capital, in early 483, Sasanian reinforcements came, however, Vahan managed to defeat them at the battle of Nersehapat in Artaz (region of [[Maku, Iran|Maku]].)
Vahan then asked the other rebels to take an oath on the cross of the Gospel to remain faithful to the covenant he would proclaim as the new ''marzban'' of Armenia, and proclaimed [[Sahak II Bagratuni]] as the new ''marzban''. However, Adhur Gushnasp returned from refugee with a force of 7000 horsemen against the insurgents, he was, however, defeated and killed by Vahan and his army at the battle at [[Yenidoğan, Aralık|Akori]] (northern slope of [[Mount Ararat]]),<ref>{{harv|Grousset|1947|p=218}}</ref> Vahan hitherto remained in [[Dvin (ancient city)|Dvin]] to protect the capital, in early 483, Sasanian reinforcements came, however, Vahan managed to defeat them at the battle of Nersehapat in Artaz (region of [[Maku, Iran|Maku]].)


Vahan then received a letter from [[Vakhtang I of Iberia|Vakhtang]], who was with his troops near the [[Kura river]] searching after 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 the Armenians regain control of the [[Arax river]] during winter. In the spring of 484, Shapur Mihran returned as the head of an new army and forced Vahan to flee 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 (Caspian Sea)|Kura river]] searching after 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 Sahak II Bagratuni and Vahan's brother, Vasak Mamikonian. Vahan then went to Tao while Shapur Mihran was returning to [[Ctesiphon]], allowing the Armenians regain control of the [[Arax river]] during winter. In the spring of 484, Shapur Mihran returned as the head of a new army and forced Vahan to flee 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 [[Vagharshapat]]. Struggling to suppress the revolt of his brother [[Zarir]], 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 [[Christian]]s and the prohibition of [[Zoroastrianism]] in Armenia, including much greater autonomy for the ''nakharar''. Vahan was also recognized as ''[[sparapet]]'' and the property of the Mamikonian family and its allies were returned.
However, the death of the Sasanian king [[Peroz I]] in 484 in war against the [[Hephthalites]] caused the withdrawal of the Persians in Armenia and the recovery of Dvin and [[Vagharshapat]]. Struggling to suppress the revolt of his brother [[Zarir]], 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, and included much greater autonomy for the ''nakharars''. Vahan was also recognized as ''[[sparapet]]'' 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 ''sparapet''. According to John I Mandacuni and Babgeno, [[Christianity]] flourished during his reign;<ref>{{harv|name=Dedey194|Dédéyan|2007|p=194}}</ref> churches were restored, and the church of St. Gregory was enlarged. The Cathedral Vagharshapat 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 [[Vachagan III]], King of [[Caucasian Albania|Albania]],<ref>{{harv|Dédéyan|2007|p=193}}</ref> repelled an [[Hephthalites|Hephthalite]] invasion of [[Transcaucasia]]. Vahan later died between 503 and 510 and was succeeded by his brother [[Vard Mamikonian]].<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, who was a ''sparapet'' in 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 ''sparapet''. According to John I Mandakuni and Babgeno, [[Christianity]] flourished during his reign;<ref>{{harv|name=Dedey194|Dédéyan|2007|p=194}}</ref> churches were restored and rebuilt, most notably [[Etchmiadzin Cathedral|Vagharshapat (Etchmiadzin) Cathedral]]. 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 [[Vachagan III]], King of [[Caucasian Albania|Albania]],<ref>{{harv|Dédéyan|2007|p=193}}</ref> repelled an [[Hephthalites|Hephthalite]] invasion of [[Transcaucasia]]. Vahan died between 503 and 510 and was succeeded by his brother [[Vard Mamikonian]].<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, who was a ''sparapet'' in 555.<ref>{{harv|Toumanoff|1990|p=333}}</ref>


==Family tree==
==Family tree==
{{Familytree/start}}
{{Tree chart/start}}
{{Familytree| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |}}
{{Tree chart| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |}}
{{Familytree| | | | | | | | HAM |-|v|-| DKA | | | | | | | | | |HAM=Hmayeak Mamikonian |DKA=Dzoyk Artsruni}}
{{Tree chart| | | | | | | | HAM |-|v|-| DKA | | | | | | | | | |HAM=Hmayeak Mamikonian |DKA=Dzoyk Artsruni}}
{{Familytree| | | | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | | |}}
{{Tree chart| | | | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | | |}}
{{Familytree| | | ART |-| VAS |-| VNM |-| VAR | | | | | | | |VNM='''Vahan Mamikonian''' |VAR=[[Vard Mamikonian]] |VAS=Vasak |ART=Artaxias}}
{{Tree chart| | | ART |-| VAS |-| VNM |-| VAR | | | | | | | |VNM='''Vahan Mamikonian''' |VAR=[[Vard Mamikonian]] |VAS=Vasak |ART=Artaxias}}
{{Familytree| | | | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | | | }}
{{Tree chart| | | | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | | | }}
{{Familytree| | | | | | | | | | | ATV | | | | | | |ATV=Artavasdes}}
{{Tree chart| | | | | | | | | | | ATV | | | | | | |ATV=Artavasdes}}
{{Familytree| | | | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{Tree chart| | | | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | | | | }}
{{Familytree| | | | | | | | | | | SAM | | | | | | | | | |SAM=Samuel}}
{{Tree chart| | | | | | | | | | | SAM | | | | | | | | | |SAM=Samuel}}
{{Familytree/end}}
{{Tree chart/end}}


==References==
==References==
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==Bibliography==
==Bibliography==
{{refbegin|2}}
{{refbegin|2}}
* {{cite book | last =Dédéyan | first =Gérard | authorlink = Gérard Dédéyan| title=History of the Armenian people | year =2007 | location =Tolosa | publisher =Privat | isbn=978-2-7089-6874-5 |ref=harv}}
* {{cite book | last =Dédéyan | first =Gérard | authorlink = Gérard Dédéyan| title=History of the Armenian people | year =2007 | location =Tolosa | publisher =Privat | isbn=978-2-7089-6874-5 }}
* {{cite book | last =Donabédian| first =Patrick | coauthor =Jean-Michel Thierry| title=Les arts arméniens| publisher =Éditions Mazenod| location =Paris| year =1987|isbn=2-85088-017-5|ref=harv}}
* {{cite book | last =Donabédian| first =Patrick |author2=Jean-Michel Thierry| title=Les arts arméniens| publisher =Éditions Mazenod| location =Paris| year =1987|isbn=2-85088-017-5}}
* {{cite book | last =Grousset | first =René | title=Histoire de l’Arménie des origines à 1071 | location=Paris| year =1947 |ref=harv}}
* {{cite book | last =Grousset | first =René | title=Histoire de l'Arménie des origines à 1071 | location=Paris| year =1947 }}
* {{cite book | last =Jacobus | first =Donald Lines | title=The American Genealogist, Volumes 68-69 | publisher =D.L. Jacobus| location =Universidade de Wisconsin - Madison| year =1993|ref=harv}}
* {{cite book | last =Jacobus | first =Donald Lines | title=[[The American Genealogist]], Volumes 68-69 | publisher =D.L. Jacobus| location =Universidade de Wisconsin - Madison| year =1993}}
* {{cite book | last =Mutafian | first =Claude | coauthor =Éric Van Lauwe| title=Atlas historique de l'Arménie| publisher =Autrement| year =2005|isbn=978-2746701007|ref=harv}}
* {{cite book | last =Mutafian | first =Claude |author2=Éric Van Lauwe| title=Atlas historique de l'Arménie| publisher =Autrement| year =2005|isbn=978-2746701007}}
* {{cite book | last =Settipani | first =Christian | title=Continuité des élites à Byzance durant les siècles obscurs. Les princes caucasiens et l'Empire du vie au ixe siècle| year =2006| location =Paris| publisher =de Boccard|isbn=978-2-7018-0226-8|ref=harv}}
* {{cite book | last =Settipani | first =Christian | title=Continuité des élites à Byzance durant les siècles obscurs. Les princes caucasiens et l'Empire du vie au ixe siècle| year =2006| location =Paris| publisher =de Boccard|isbn=978-2-7018-0226-8}}
* {{cite book | last =Toumanoff | first =Cyril | title=As dinastias do Cáucaso cristão na Antiguidade ao século XIX: tabelas genealógicas e cronológicas| year =1990| location=Rome|ref=harv}}
* {{cite book | last =Toumanoff | first =Cyril | title=As dinastias do Cáucaso cristão na Antiguidade ao século XIX: tabelas genealógicas e cronológicas| year =1990| location=Rome}}
* {{cite book | last =Yarshater | first =Ehsan | title=The Cambridge History of Iran: The Seleucid, Parthian, and Sasanian periods| year =1983| publisher =Cambridge University Press|isbn=052120092X|ref=harv}}
* {{cite book | last =Yarshater | first =Ehsan | title=The Cambridge History of Iran: The Seleucid, Parthian, and Sasanian periods| year =1983| publisher =Cambridge University Press|isbn=052120092X}}


{{refend}}
{{refend}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Mamikonian, Vahan}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Mamikonian, Vahan}}
[[Category:500s deaths]]
[[Category:500s deaths]]
[[Category:5th-century births]]
[[Category:440s births]]
[[Category:5th-century Christians]]
[[Category:5th-century Christians]]
[[Category:6th-century Christians]]
[[Category:6th-century Christians]]
[[Category:Armenian Christians]]
[[Category:Armenian Christians]]
[[Category:Armenian rebels]]
[[Category:Armenian rebels]]
[[Category:Mamikonian family]]
[[Category:Mamikonian family|Vahan]]
[[Category:Sasanian governors of Armenia]]
[[Category:Sasanian governors of Armenia]]
[[Category:Rebellions against the Sasanian Empire]]
[[Category:Rebellions against the Sasanian Empire]]
[[Category:5th-century Iranian people]]
[[Category:5th-century Armenian people]]
[[Category:5th-century Armenian people]]
[[Category:6th-century Armenian people]]
[[Category:6th-century Armenian people]]
[[Category:Christians in the Sasanian Empire]]
[[Category:Armenian people from the Sasanian Empire]]

Latest revision as of 07:39, 21 February 2024

Vahan Mamikonian
Վահան Մամիկոնեան
Modern artistic portrayal of Vahan
Marzban of Persian Armenia
In office
485–503/510
MonarchKavadh I
Preceded byShapur of Ray
Succeeded byVard Mamikonian
Personal details
Born440-445
Marzpanate Armenia
Died503-510
Marzpanate Armenia

Vahan Mamikonian (Armenian: Վահան Մամիկոնեան; c. 440/445 – 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 remained in that post until his death around 503-510.

Background[edit]

From 387 the kingdom of Armenia was divided into two zones of influence, Byzantine Armenia and Persian Armenia. In 428 the last Arsacid Armenian monarch, Artaxias IV, was deposed by his overlord Bahram V at the request of the Armenian nakharars, thus starting the Marzpanate period in Persian Armenia. Very quickly, the Armenians were 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 nakharars who participated in the revolt were deported to Ctesiphon.[2]

Youth[edit]

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 Tayk 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 childhood friend and contemporary historian Ghazar Parpetsi.[4]

The three brothers were sentenced to death, however, were released with the help of Mihranid prince Arshusha II. Vahan then regained his possessions, however, he was accused of misappropriation of income of gold mines, and had to pay a large sum of money to the Sasanians.[5]

Revolt[edit]

Map of Persian Armenia
Vahan'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, mostly in Eastern Persia. They were also required to accept the growing power of the apostasy, which resulted in the revolt of Vakhtang I of Iberia (r. 447/449 - 502/522), and was positively received by the Armenians. Vahan hesitated to join the rebellion in 481,[6] making Adhur Gushnasp, the marzban of Armenia, abandon Dvin and take refugee in Artashat.

Vahan then asked the other rebels to take an oath on the cross of the Gospel to remain faithful to the covenant he would proclaim as the new marzban of Armenia, and proclaimed Sahak II Bagratuni as the new marzban. However, Adhur Gushnasp returned from refugee with a force of 7000 horsemen against the insurgents, he was, however, defeated and killed by Vahan and his army at the battle at Akori (northern slope of Mount Ararat),[7] Vahan hitherto remained in Dvin to protect the capital, in early 483, Sasanian reinforcements came, however, Vahan managed to defeat 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 searching after 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 Sahak II Bagratuni and Vahan's brother, Vasak Mamikonian. Vahan then went to Tao while Shapur Mihran was returning to Ctesiphon, allowing the Armenians regain control of the Arax river during winter. In the spring of 484, Shapur Mihran returned as the head of a new army and forced Vahan to flee to refuge near the Byzantine frontier, at Tao and Taron.[10]

Marzban of Armenia[edit]

However, the death of the Sasanian king Peroz I in 484 in war against the Hephthalites caused the withdrawal of the Persians in Armenia and the recovery of Dvin and Vagharshapat. Struggling to suppress the revolt of his brother Zarir, 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, and included much greater autonomy for the nakharars. Vahan was also recognized as sparapet 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 sparapet. According to John I Mandakuni and Babgeno, Christianity flourished during his reign;[11] churches were restored and rebuilt, most notably Vagharshapat (Etchmiadzin) Cathedral. 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 Vachagan III, King of Albania,[12] repelled an Hephthalite invasion of Transcaucasia. Vahan died between 503 and 510 and was succeeded by his brother Vard Mamikonian.[13] According to Cyril Toumanoff, Vahan Mamikonian hypothetically would have been the father of Artavasdes, the father of Samuel I, who was a sparapet in 555.[14]

Family tree[edit]

Hmayeak MamikonianDzoyk Artsruni
ArtaxiasVasakVahan MamikonianVard Mamikonian
Artavasdes
Samuel

References[edit]

  1. ^ Dédéyan 2007, p. 187
  2. ^ Dédéyan 2007, p. 190
  3. ^ Settipani 2006, pp. 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[edit]

  • Dédéyan, Gérard (2007). History of the Armenian people. Tolosa: Privat. ISBN 978-2-7089-6874-5.
  • Donabédian, Patrick; Jean-Michel Thierry (1987). Les arts arméniens. Paris: Éditions Mazenod. ISBN 2-85088-017-5.
  • Grousset, René (1947). Histoire de l'Arménie des origines à 1071. Paris.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  • Jacobus, Donald Lines (1993). The American Genealogist, Volumes 68-69. Universidade de Wisconsin - Madison: D.L. Jacobus.
  • Mutafian, Claude; Éric Van Lauwe (2005). Atlas historique de l'Arménie. Autrement. ISBN 978-2746701007.
  • 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.
  • Toumanoff, Cyril (1990). As dinastias do Cáucaso cristão na Antiguidade ao século XIX: tabelas genealógicas e cronológicas. Rome.{{cite book}}: 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.
Preceded by Marzban of Persian Armenia
485–503/510 		Succeeded by
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