Stephanos Taronetsi

The Bible and the Royal Power: Legitimation of the Bagratid Dynasty in Medieval Armenian Historiography

The article deals with “constructing of the past” and legitimation of power of the Bagratid dynasty in medieval Armenian historiography. It focuses upon the use of biblical symbols by the medieval historians and the role of these symbols in the consolidation of power of the ruling dynasty. The article draws upon three sources belonging to the beginning, the middle, and the end of the Bagratid rule (History of Armenia by Hovhannes Draskhanakerttsi; General History by Stephanos Taronetsi; History of Vardapet Aristakes Lastivertsi).