The Principal Historical Sources for Armenia's Conversion

A comprehensive historical study should identify the documents and scholarship on which its conclusions depend.

Agathangelos — History of the Armenians

The work attributed to Agathangelos is the principal surviving narrative of Gregory the Illuminator and Tiridates III.

It describes the persecution of Christians, Gregory's imprisonment, the martyrdom of Hripsime and Gayane, the conversion of the king, and the establishment of Christian institutions.

The surviving Armenian form belongs to the fifth-century literary tradition rather than a contemporary fourth-century eyewitness record.

It is indispensable for understanding Armenian Christian memory, but its chronology and miraculous accounts require critical evaluation.

Robert W. Thomson's English translation and scholarly commentary are important resources for studying the text.

Koryun — Life of Mashtots

Koryun's biography of Mesrop Mashtots is one of the most important sources for the creation of the Armenian alphabet and the development of Armenian Christian education.

Its proximity to the events makes it particularly valuable.

P'awstos Buzand — Epic Histories

The work traditionally attributed to P'awstos Buzand provides important accounts of fourth-century Armenian political and ecclesiastical history.

It includes narratives concerning kings, noble families, military conflicts, and church leaders.

As with other early Armenian historical writings, its literary structure and historical reliability require careful assessment.

Yeghishe — History of Vardan and the Armenian War

Yeghishe's work is central to the literary and religious memory of the Battle of Avarayr.

It is particularly important for understanding how the conflict became a defining episode in Armenian Christian identity.

Lazar of Parpi — History of Armenia

Lazar's history provides valuable information about the political and religious struggles of fifth-century Armenia.

It is an important source for the period of Vahan Mamikonian and the settlement associated with 484.

Movses Khorenatsi — History of the Armenians

The history attributed to Movses Khorenatsi became one of the most influential works in Armenian historical literature.

It preserves traditions concerning ancient Armenian origins, kingship, and cultural memory.

Scholars continue to debate its precise date of composition and the historical reliability of particular passages.

Modern Scholarship

For additional scholarly research, the following sources are especially useful:

These sources do not agree on every detail. Their differences are particularly important when evaluating the precise year of the conversion, the historical development of the Gregory narrative, and the early relationship between the Armenian Church and neighboring Christian communities.