Dr. Ayvazyan has written a good book, in which episodes, places and the names of the protagonists in Armenian history and their relations with Byzantium between the sixth and the early seventh century are described with extreme precision.

The book, splendidly introduced by Ilkka Syvanne, is divided into two parts. The longer first part deals with the insurrection of the Armenian army against the Imperial power of Justin­ian in AD 538-9, culminating in the Battle of Avnik and the escape of the Armenian rebels into Sassanid Persian territory. The chief protagonist in this rebellion was Prince (‘Nakharar’) Artabanes Arshakuni, one of Justinian’s generals who, before and after the rebellion, played an important role in the Roman Imperial army. Ayvazyan skillfully introduces the very complex situation in Armenia, divided between the two superpowers of Rome and Persia, but defended by a mainly ethnic army driven by pride and feelings of national independence. He explains that the rebellion was staged by a Roman army mainly composed of Armenians against the oppressive behaviour and taxation of the Imperial governor Acacius.

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