Hovhannes Draskhanakerttsi

Armenian chronicler and historian

Hovhannes Draskhanakerttsi (Armenian: Յովհաննէս Դրասխանակերտցի, John of Drasxanakert, various spellings exist), also called John V the Historian, was Catholicos of Armenia from 897 to 925, and a noted chronicler and historian. He is known for his History of Armenia.[1] He is also the author of a list of Armenian Catholicoi titled Shar Hayrapetatsʻn Hayotsʻ.[2]

What little is known about Catholicos Hovhannes's life comes from his own written works. He gives his own birthplace as Draskhkert (Draskhanakert), which has been variously identified with modern Ashtarak or placed near the historical canton of Shirak in Ayrarat province (later medieval Armenian historians claimed he was from Garni or Dvin).[2] He was related to his predecessor as catholicos, Mashtots I, under whom he studied.[2]

Hovhannes's pontificate coincided with the reigns of Bagratid kings of Armenia Smbat I and Ashot II the Iron, who fought against Arab domination of Armenia.[3] The Catholicos played an important role in the consolidation of Bagratid Armenia.[3] He often tried to play the role of peacemaker between Ashot II and his rebellious vassals and frequently went on diplomatic missions to Armenia's neighbors.[2]

After returning the Catholicosate to Dvin since it had been reclaimed from the Arabs, he moved it again to Vaspurakan around 924, fleeing the Sajid army. There he spent the last years of his life. According to local traditions, Hovhannes was buried in Vaspurakan at either Dzoroy Vank or in the monastery of Akhtamar.[2]

References

  1. ^ "... an important source on the Arab period...". Archived from the original on 2013-09-17. Retrieved 2006-12-13.
  2. ^ a b c d e Yovhannes Drasxanakertc'i/John Katholikos (1987). History of Armenia by John Katholikos. Translated by Maksoudian, Krikor H. Atlanta, Georgia: Scholars Press. p. 8–23.
  3. ^ a b Yovhannes Drasxanakertc'i/John Katholikos (1987). History of Armenia by John Katholikos. Translated by Maksoudian, Krikor H. Atlanta, Georgia: Scholars Press. pp. 1–2.

External links

  • Maksoudian's translation of Yovhannes Drasxanakertc'i History of Armenia
  • English translation of the History of Armenia - mirror if main site is unavailable
  • Yovhannes Drasxanakertc'i history of Armenia - details of published book
Preceded by
Mashdotz I
 Catholicos of the Holy See of St. Echmiadzin and All Armenians
898–929 		Succeeded by
Stephen II of Armenia
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