The Byzantine Sources – About Armenia and Armenians
Over the centuries, numerous enemy invasions into Hayk brought about profound changes, shattering the political stability of the powerful Armenian World, diminishing Armenia’s dominant role, and weakening the strength of its noble houses.
The Roman-Persian treaty of 387 AD resulted in significant changes to the borders of the Kingdom of Greater Armenia.
“Procopius of Caesarea stands as one of the most prominent historians of Byzantium. He was born either at the end of the 5th century or the beginning of the 6th century in Caesarea, Palestine.”
… “Procopius lived during the era of Emperor Justinian, a time regarded as both one of the brightest and darkest chapters in Byzantine history. When Justinian ascended the throne in 527, he was determined to restore the ancient borders of the Roman Empire and revive its former glory. For this reason, his long reign saw continuous wars—against the Persians in the East, the Goths in the West, and the Vandals in Libya,” writes Hrach Bartikyan, who translated and published Procopius’s works concerning Armenia and the Armenians (Foreign Sources on Armenia and the Armenians, Vol. 5, Yerevan, 1967).
Here are selected excerpts from this work…
“…Corruption had reached staggering levels. It was possible to buy one’s way into the highest political and military offices, as well as the most exalted positions within the clergy.”
“…Even the judiciary, an institution meant to safeguard justice, had succumbed to corruption. Through bribes, one could even gain access to the royal guard.
Procopius of Caesarea, in his Secret History, laments bitterly that the royal guard—once composed solely of individuals selected for their exceptional military and physical abilities, a guard that historically admitted only Armenians—had, under Justinian’s reign, become open to anyone who could pay. Even slaves could join if they had the means. These flaws in the Byzantine state extended to Byzantine-controlled Armenia as well.
Historical documents reveal that corruption was rampant in First Armenia, Second Armenia, and Greater Armenia. Popular discontent against Justinian’s regime often manifested through the rise of various sects, which proliferated across the empire during this period.”
“…Justinian’s reign was a calamity for the Armenian people. It delivered the final blow to the remnants of Armenian independence, particularly the hereditary satrapies in southern Armenia, and sought to dismantle the Armenians’ ancient rights.”
“Within the Roman army, there was a commander of Persian-Armenian descent named Artavan. A long-time deserter, he had joined Roman-controlled Armenia voluntarily but in an extraordinary way—by slaughtering 120 capable Persian soldiers. This act was seen as proof of his loyalty to the Romans.
Artavan approached the Roman commander Valerian and requested 50 soldiers from his forces. His request was granted, and he proceeded toward a fortress in Persarmenia (Persian Armenia).
The Persian garrison, numbering 120 men, welcomed Artavan and his soldiers into the fortress, unaware of his betrayal of the Persian state and his plans to rebel. Artavan killed the entire garrison, seized the fortress’s immense wealth, and returned to Valerian and the Roman army.
This act cemented his reputation as a reliable ally to the Romans, and he participated in their subsequent campaigns. During one notable battle, Artavan, accompanied by two Roman soldiers, ventured into the enemy ranks.
A group of enemies approached, but Artavan immediately struck, using his spear to kill one of the fiercest and most powerful Persian warriors, unseating him and ending his life. A nearby barbarian retaliated, striking Artavan on the head with a sword, though the wound was not fatal.
One of Artavan’s companions, of Gothic origin, managed to strike the barbarian on his left side as he raised his weapon against Artavan, killing him. Terrified, the remaining thousand enemy soldiers retreated, awaiting the arrival of Khoryanes, who was advancing with the remaining Persian and Alan forces and soon joined them.”
Nerses the Armenian – Byzantine General
An excerpt from Procopius (On the Wars, Book 8, Chapter 31):
“…The armies were aligned for battle as follows: both forces stood face-to-face, forming a front line as wide and deep as possible. On the Roman left flank, near a hill, Narses and John commanded, leading the finest Roman fighters… On the right flank were Valerian, John Fagas, and Dagistheus, overseeing the remainder of the Roman forces…
In the center of the line, Narses placed the Lombards, Heruls, and other barbarian troops. He instructed them to dismount and form an infantry unit to prevent them from fleeing immediately in case of cowardice or betrayal during the battle.
…For a while, neither side made a move; both armies waited patiently for the other to attack first.
Eventually, from the Gothic forces, a man named Cocas, famed for his courage, rode his horse forward, stopping in front of the Roman army to issue a challenge for single combat. This Cocas had once been a Roman soldier but had defected to Totilas.
Without hesitation, one of Narses’ spear-bearers, an Armenian named Anzalas, mounted his horse and rode out to confront him.
Cocas struck first, aiming his lance at Anzalas’ abdomen. However, Anzalas quickly maneuvered his horse to the side, rendering Cocas’ charge ineffective. Taking advantage of his position, Anzalas drove his lance into Cocas’ left side.
Cocas fell lifeless from his horse to the ground. The Roman forces erupted in a triumphant cheer…”
To be continued.
