The Armenian Adaptation of the Ecclesiastical History of Socrates Scholasticus: Translation of the Armenian Text and Commentary

by R.W. Thomson, Robert W. Thomson (Editor)

The 'Ecclesiastical History' by Socrates Scholasticus had an unusual transmission in Armenia. In 695, the first translation (made in the sixth century) was completely revised. It was much abbreviated and changed, while at the same time additions of various kinds were introduced. Now, for the first time, that adapted text of the 'Ecclesiastical History' is translated from the classical Armenian. In this English rendering all the additions to the original text are highlighted and studied from the perspective of earlier Armenian literary and theological traditions. The Introduction assesses the possible motives for this adaption of a well known History at the end of the seventh century. Similar Armenian reworkings of foreign Histories -- the Georgian Chronicles and the Syriac Chronicle of the Patriarch Michael -- are much later. Within Armenia the secondary version of Socrates became more influential than the first, more exact translation. The present book is thus of value for the study of Armenian history and theology in the period following the break with the imperial church of Constantinople.

256 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2001