PREFACE

A horizontal decorative ornament consisting of a central diamond shape flanked by scrolling motifs and dots.

A. Eghishe as a writer and the History of Vardanants. — B. Mihrnerseh. — C. Theodosius the Younger and the Eastern Empire. — D. Yazdegerd and the Sassanid power. — E. Vasak. — F. Armenian Civilization. — G. Eghishe's other works. — H. Biography of Eghishe. — I. Various editions and translations.

A

Eghishe’s "Vardan and the Armenian War" has more the character of an epic poem than historical literature. When an event occurs in the life of a nation that captures everyone's mind and ignites the zeal of men, women, and children, so that they set aside all other concerns and preoccupations to think only of it and act for its sake, a nation in such a state inevitably engages in heroic martyrdom. This great event was the fear of the danger posed by a new and holy faith referring to Zoroastrianism imposed by the Persians established by force in the hearts, under which the desire for political freedom was also hidden. Eghishe, who as a secretary and fellow soldier 1 to Vardan, was perfectly knowledgeable about the affairs of the time and a participant in the events, was endowed with a vivid imagination, sincere fervor, sensitive

1. Sop'erk Hayk Armenian Miscellany, Vol. 11, page 39.