THE LONGEST CENTURY OF ARMENIA: A QUEST FOR BALANCING BETWEEN THE ROMAN–SASANIAN IN THE FOURTH CENTURY

This study explores the intricate political and religious dynamics that shaped Armenia during the fourth century, focusing on the impact of Roman and Sasanian imperial interventions and the internal divisions within Armenia. The division of Armenia into Roman and Sasanian spheres following the agreements of 387 resulted in a bifurcated political structure, with significant implications for the region’s stability. The rivalry among local aristocratic families, known as naxarars, played a crucial role in this fragmentation, as their shifting loyalties and internal conflicts facilitated external manipulation by both empires. Additionally, the religious conflict between Christianity and Zoroastrianism further complicated the political landscape, contributing to the erosion of centralized control and exacerbating internal strife. The study examines how these factors combined to influence the political trajectory of Armenia, from the internal struggles during the reign of King Tiridates to the eventual consolidation of Sasanian’s control under Vramšapuh. By analyzing these dynamics, this research highlights the complex interplay of internal and external forces that defined Armenia’s historical trajectory in this period, offering insights into the broader implications of imperial rivalry and religious conflict in shaping regional politics.