P R E F A C E

The History of Aristakes Lastiverttsʻi, which covers the events of 1000–1071, belongs among the finest works of medieval Armenian literature. It is highly valuable both as a historical primary source and as a monument to the social thought of its time.

Little is known about the author, and that only through indirect data. Aristakes's moniker indicates that he was from the village or township of Lastivert; it is assumed that Lastivert was located in the vicinity of Artsn, which the author calls "our city." Lastiverttsʻi's History was written in the 70s of the 11th century. The final pages are dedicated to the defeat of Emperor Romanos Diogenes near Manazkert (1071), and the death of Alp Arslan, which took place in 1072, is also mentioned. The author was of a venerable age when he undertook this task. As an eyewitness, he even recalls the rebellion organized against Basil II the Bulgar-Slayer in the 1020s. If we add that certain polemical works are also attributed to Aristakes Lastiverttsʻi, the information we have about the author's life is exhausted.

In the 11th century, major political events shook Armenia. The Byzantine Empire and the Seljuks threatened the Armenian world. Aristakes describes how the Byzantines infiltrated the Transcaucasus, subjugating local lords through arms and diplomacy. However, Lastiverttsʻi seems reluctant to see the danger looming from the West, and only when the Greeks capture the capital city of Ani does he cast a curse upon the head of Constantine Monomachos.

For Aristakes, the most hateful enemies are the Seljuks. They destroyed the motherland and ruined magnificent cities. Through the power of his spirit, the author rebels against the Seljuks and directs God's wrath toward them.

Aristakes Lastiverttsʻi was a contemporary of the events of 1071, when the Turks decisively crushed the Byzantine forces and captured the Emperor. He saw no hope for salvation, and from this stems his pessimism, a mood expressed from the very first lines: