The Armenian History Attributed to Sebeos (Translated Texts for Historians, 31) (Volume 31)

The History attributed to Sebeos is one of the major works of early Armenian historiography. Although anonymous, it was written in the middle of the seventh century, a time when comparable chronicles in Greek and Syriac are sparse. Sebeos traces the fortunes of Armenia in the sixth and seventh centuries within the broader framework of the Byzantine–Sasanian conflict. Comprising two volumes, part 1 (240 pages) is the translation and notes followed by part 2 (216 pages) which contains the historical commentary, this excellent publication will be of interest to all those involved in the study of Armenia, the Caucasus, the Eastern Roman Empire and the Middle East in late antiquity. It will be of particular value to Islamicists, since Sebeos not only sets the scene for the coming of Islam, but provides the only substantial non-Muslim account of the initial period of expansion.

Robert Thomson, Calouste Gulbenkian Professor of Armenian Studies at Oxford University, was formerly Professor of Armenian Studies at Harvard University and has served as Director of Dumbarton Oaks. James Howard-Johnston is University Lecturer in Byzantine Studies, and a Fellow of Corpus Christi College, Oxford University. Tim Greenwood is a postgraduate Scholar of Oriel College, Oxford University.