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{{Short description|7th-century Armenian historian}}
{{short description|7th-century Armenian historian}}
{{Infobox person
'''Sebeos''' ({{Lang-hy|Սեբեոս}}) was a 7th-century [[Armenians|Armenian]] [[bishop]] and historian.
| name = Sebeos
| alt = <!-- descriptive text for use by speech synthesis (text-to-speech) software -->
| other_names = Sebeos of Bagratunis<br>Lord Sebeos
| birth_date = {{circa|7th century}}
| birth_place = Armenia
| death_date = {{circa|After 661}}
| death_place =
| occupation = {{hlist|Bishop|historian}}
| era =
| known_for =
| notable_works = ''History of Heraclius''
}}


'''Sebeos''' ({{Lang-hy|Սեբեոս}}; {{floruit|661}}), also known as '''Sebeos of Bagratunis''', was an Armenian bishop and historian. His work, ''History of Heraclius'', is a primary source of the [[Byzantine–Sasanian War of 602–628]]. Belonging to the [[Bagratuni dynasty]], Sebeos was among the 18 bishops of the [[Fourth Council of Dvin|Fourth Council]] in [[Dvin (ancient city)|Dvin]].
Little is known about the author, though a signature on the resolution of the [[Fourth Council of Dvin|Ecclesiastical Council of Dvin]] in 645 reads 'Bishop Sebeos of Bagratunis.' His writings are valuable as one of the few intact surviving sources that chronicle 6th-century Armenia and its surrounding territories.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Hacikyan|first1=Agop|last2=Basmanjian|first2=Bagriel|last3=Franchuk|first3=Edward|last4=Ouzounian|first4=Nourhan|title=The Heritage of Armenian Literature Volume II|publisher=Wayne State University Press|location=Detroit, Michigan|isbn=0-8143-3023-1|pages=82|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2gZzD0N9Id8C&q=sebeos&pg=PA81|accessdate=13 March 2015|year=2002}}</ref> The history of Sebeos contains detailed descriptions from the period of [[Marzpanate Period|Sassanid supremacy in Armenia]] up to the [[Arab conquest of Armenia|Islamic conquest]] in 661. His history was published for the first time in 1851 in [[Istanbul]].<ref name=jack>{{cite book|last=Hacikyan|first=Jack|title=The Heritage of Armenian Literature: From the sixth to the Eighteenth Century|pages=81|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2gZzD0N9Id8C&q=sebeos&pg=PA81|isbn=0814330231|year=2002|publisher=Wayne State University Press }}</ref>

His writings are valuable as one of the few intact surviving sources that chronicle sixth century Armenia and its surrounding territories. The history of Sebeos contains detailed descriptions from the period of [[Sasanian Armenia|Sasanian supremacy in Armenia]] up to the [[Muslim conquest of Armenia|Muslim conquest]] in 661. He is also one of the earliest non-Muslim historians to write about Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him and the Rashidun Caliphate.

== Life ==
Little is known about the author's life. In 645, Sebeos attended the [[Fourth Council of Dvin|Ecclesiastical Council of Dvin]], and was among their signatories.{{Sfn|Thomson|1999|p=34}} His name is found on the eighth number in the list of eighteen bishops.{{Sfn|Thomson|1999|p=34}}


==Writings==
==Writings==
''A History of [[Heraclius]]'', chronicling events from the end of the 5th century to 661, has been attributed to him.<ref>{{cite book|title=Ararat, Volume 27|publisher=Armenian General Benevolent Union|pages=16}} to him</ref> The first section begins with the mythical foundation of Armenia with the [[Hayk|Legend of Hyke and Bel]], moving to contemporary history with the ascent of Vardan II Mamikonian in 570. From there, he relates the struggles and alliances between Persia and Byzantium.
The ''History of Heraclius'' is the most well-known work of Sebeos. The work chronicles events from the end of the fifth century to 661.{{Sfn|Ararat||p=16}} The first section begins with the mythical foundation of Armenia with the legend of [[Hayk|Hyke and Bel]], moving to contemporary history with the ascent of Vardan II Mamikonian in 570.{{Sfn|Thomson|1999|p=35}} From there, he relates the struggles and alliances between Persia and Byzantium. The second section narrates the ascent of a new political and military force, the [[Ishmaelites]] (Arabs) in year 622 CE.{{Sfn|Shoemaker|2021}}


⚫
This section describes how Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him first established a community comprising [[Ishmaelites]] and [[Jews]] based on their common descent from [[Abraham]]; the Arabs via [[Ishmael]], and the Jews via [[Isaac]].{{Sfn|Thomson|1999|p=51}} From there, the Ishmaelites made dramatic territorial gains, including their victory over the [[Sasanian Empire]], and the narrative goes in to the division of the Ishmaelite armies and the beginnings of the [[First Fitna]]. He also reports events about the First Fitna, as [[Mu'awiya I]] ({{Reign|661|680}}) becomes caliph.{{Sfn|Thomson|1999|p=35}} Sebeos viewed the Rashidun Caliphate as far much stronger than the Sasanian Empire.{{Sfn|Thomson|1999|p=51}} He also says that
The second section narrates the ascent of a new political and military force, the [[Ishmaelites]] (i.e. Arabs) in year 622 CE.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Shoemaker|first=Stephen J.|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/1200831770|title=A prophet has appeared : the rise of Islam through Christian and Jewish eyes : a sourcebook|date=2021|isbn=978-0-520-97127-1|location=Oakland, California|oclc=1200831770}}</ref>


Sebeos writes about Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him:{{Sfn|Hacikyan|2002|p=82}}
⚫
This section describes how Muhammad first established a community comprising [[Ishmaelites]] and [[Jews]] based on their common descent from [[Abraham]]; the Arabs via [[Ishmael]], and the Jews via [[Isaac]].<ref>{{cite book|last1=Howard-Johnston|first1=James|title=The Armenian History Attributed to Sebeos|publisher=Liverpool University Press|isbn=0-85323-564-3|pages=li|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YzsVvsMsuBUC&q=ishmael|date=1999-11-01}}</ref> From there, the Ishmaelites made dramatic territorial gains, including their victory over the [[Sassanian Empire|Sassanian dynasty]], and the narrative goes in to the division of the Ishmaelite armies and the beginnings of the [[First Fitna]]. He relates these developments to Armenia. He stops with the end of first fitna, as [[Muawiyah I]] makes peace with all.{{Citation needed|date=February 2021}}

{{quote|At that time a certain man from along those same sons of Ismael, whose name was Mahmed [i.e., Mụhammad], a merchant, as if by God's command appeared to them as a preacher [and] the path of truth. He taught them to recognize the God of Abraham, especially because he was learnt and informed in the history of Moses. Now because the command was from on high, at a single order they all came together in unity of religion. Abandoning their vain cults, they turned to the living God who had appeared to their father Abraham. So, Mahmet legislated for them: not to eat carrion, not to drink wine, not to speak falsely, and not to engage in fornication. He said: 'With an oath God promised this land to Abraham and his seed after him for ever. And he brought about as he promised during that time while he loved Israel. But now you are the sons of Abraham and God is accomplishing his promise to Abraham and his seed for you. Love sincerely only the God of Abraham, and go and seize the land which God gave to your father Abraham. No one will be able to resist you in battle, because God is with you.}}

== Legacy ==
Sebeos' work on Armenian history is honored in the country. He was the primary source of the fall of the Byzantine and Sasanian Empire and the Muslim conquests.{{Sfn|Thomson|1999|p=35}} The first Armenian writer to mention Sebeos is the 8th century priest [[Łewond|Lewond]].{{Sfn|Thomson|1999|p=35}} Author James Howard Johnston describes Sebeos as a 'non-biased' historian and places him along with other popular Armenian historians.{{Sfn|Thomson|1999|p=64}} His writings are valuable as one of the few intact surviving sources that chronicle sixth century Armenia and its surrounding territories.{{Sfn|Hacikyan|2002|p=82}} Sebeos' history was published for the first time in 1851 in [[Istanbul]].{{Sfn|Hacikyan|2002|p=81}}

Apart from Armenian history, Sebeos has also been an important historian in Islamic history as he contributed much of his work to the [[early Muslim conquests]]. His writings for the [[First Fitna]], the civil war between [[Ali]] and [[Mu'awiya I|Mu'awiya]], serves as a primary non-Muslim source.{{Sfn|Thomson|1999|p=35}} He is the first Christian writer to note that there were four parties in the First Fitna.{{Sfn|Hoyland|2014|p=129}} Though Sebeos praised the Arabs in many of his work, he also criticized them for their conquest of Armenia.{{Sfn|Hoyland|2014|p=130}} He is also among the first non-Muslim authors to write about Muhammad. He is mentioned in [[Robert G. Hoyland|Robert G. Hoyland's]] ''[[Seeing Islam as Others Saw It]]''.{{Sfn|Hoyland|2014|p=128}} Hoyland deemed Sebeos a trustworthy chronicler.{{Sfn|Hoyland|2014|p=129}}


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


== Literature ==
== Bibliography ==

* ''The Armenian History attributed to Sebeos'', translated, with Notes, by R. W. Thomson, historical Commentary by J. Howard-Johnston, Assistance from T. Greenwood (Translated Texts for Historians), 2 Volumes, Liverpool 1999.
* {{Cite book|last=Thomson|first=R. W.|title=The Armenian History Attributed to Sebeos|publisher=Liverpool University Press|year=1999|isbn=9780853235644}}
*{{Cite book|last=Hacikyan|first=Agop|title=The Heritage of Armenian Literature: From the sixth to the eighteenth century|publisher=Wayne State University Press|year=2002|isbn=9780814330234}}
*{{Cite book|last=Hoyland|first=Robert G|title=Seeing Islam as Others Saw It: A Survey and Evaluation of Christian, Jewish and Zoroastrian Writings on Early Islam.|publisher=eBooks2go|year=2014|isbn=9781618131317}}
*{{Cite book|last=Shoemaker|first=Stephen J|title=A prophet has appeared : the rise of Islam through Christian and Jewish eyes : a sourcebook|publisher=Oakland, California|year=2021|isbn=0520971272}}
*{{Cite book|last=Ararat|title=Ararat, Volume 27|publisher=Armenian General Benevolent Union|year=|pages=16}}
* T. Greenwood, "Sasanian Echoes and Apocalyptic Expectations: A Re-Evaluation of the Armenian History attributed to Sebeos", ''Le Muséon'' 115, Fasc. 1—2 (2002) 323—397.
* T. Greenwood, "Sasanian Echoes and Apocalyptic Expectations: A Re-Evaluation of the Armenian History attributed to Sebeos", ''Le Muséon'' 115, Fasc. 1—2 (2002) 323—397.


Revision as of 21:06, 30 July 2024

Sebeos
Bornc. 7th century
Armenia
Diedc. After 661
Other namesSebeos of Bagratunis
Lord Sebeos
Occupations
  • Bishop
  • historian
Notable workHistory of Heraclius

Sebeos (Template:Lang-hy; fl. 661), also known as Sebeos of Bagratunis, was an Armenian bishop and historian. His work, History of Heraclius, is a primary source of the Byzantine–Sasanian War of 602–628. Belonging to the Bagratuni dynasty, Sebeos was among the 18 bishops of the Fourth Council in Dvin.

His writings are valuable as one of the few intact surviving sources that chronicle sixth century Armenia and its surrounding territories. The history of Sebeos contains detailed descriptions from the period of Sasanian supremacy in Armenia up to the Muslim conquest in 661. He is also one of the earliest non-Muslim historians to write about Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him and the Rashidun Caliphate.

Life

Little is known about the author's life. In 645, Sebeos attended the Ecclesiastical Council of Dvin, and was among their signatories.[1] His name is found on the eighth number in the list of eighteen bishops.[1]

Writings

The History of Heraclius is the most well-known work of Sebeos. The work chronicles events from the end of the fifth century to 661.[2] The first section begins with the mythical foundation of Armenia with the legend of Hyke and Bel, moving to contemporary history with the ascent of Vardan II Mamikonian in 570.[3] From there, he relates the struggles and alliances between Persia and Byzantium. The second section narrates the ascent of a new political and military force, the Ishmaelites (Arabs) in year 622 CE.[4]

This section describes how Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him first established a community comprising Ishmaelites and Jews based on their common descent from Abraham; the Arabs via Ishmael, and the Jews via Isaac.[5] From there, the Ishmaelites made dramatic territorial gains, including their victory over the Sasanian Empire, and the narrative goes in to the division of the Ishmaelite armies and the beginnings of the First Fitna. He also reports events about the First Fitna, as Mu'awiya I (r. 661–680) becomes caliph.[3] Sebeos viewed the Rashidun Caliphate as far much stronger than the Sasanian Empire.[5] He also says that

Sebeos writes about Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him:[6]

At that time a certain man from along those same sons of Ismael, whose name was Mahmed [i.e., Mụhammad], a merchant, as if by God's command appeared to them as a preacher [and] the path of truth. He taught them to recognize the God of Abraham, especially because he was learnt and informed in the history of Moses. Now because the command was from on high, at a single order they all came together in unity of religion. Abandoning their vain cults, they turned to the living God who had appeared to their father Abraham. So, Mahmet legislated for them: not to eat carrion, not to drink wine, not to speak falsely, and not to engage in fornication. He said: 'With an oath God promised this land to Abraham and his seed after him for ever. And he brought about as he promised during that time while he loved Israel. But now you are the sons of Abraham and God is accomplishing his promise to Abraham and his seed for you. Love sincerely only the God of Abraham, and go and seize the land which God gave to your father Abraham. No one will be able to resist you in battle, because God is with you.

Legacy

Sebeos' work on Armenian history is honored in the country. He was the primary source of the fall of the Byzantine and Sasanian Empire and the Muslim conquests.[3] The first Armenian writer to mention Sebeos is the 8th century priest Lewond.[3] Author James Howard Johnston describes Sebeos as a 'non-biased' historian and places him along with other popular Armenian historians.[7] His writings are valuable as one of the few intact surviving sources that chronicle sixth century Armenia and its surrounding territories.[6] Sebeos' history was published for the first time in 1851 in Istanbul.[8]

Apart from Armenian history, Sebeos has also been an important historian in Islamic history as he contributed much of his work to the early Muslim conquests. His writings for the First Fitna, the civil war between Ali and Mu'awiya, serves as a primary non-Muslim source.[3] He is the first Christian writer to note that there were four parties in the First Fitna.[9] Though Sebeos praised the Arabs in many of his work, he also criticized them for their conquest of Armenia.[10] He is also among the first non-Muslim authors to write about Muhammad. He is mentioned in Robert G. Hoyland's Seeing Islam as Others Saw It.[11] Hoyland deemed Sebeos a trustworthy chronicler.[9]

References

  1. ^ a b Thomson 1999, p. 34.
  2. ^ Ararat, p. 16.
  3. ^ a b c d e Thomson 1999, p. 35.
  4. ^ Shoemaker 2021.
  5. ^ a b Thomson 1999, p. 51.
  6. ^ a b Hacikyan 2002, p. 82.
  7. ^ Thomson 1999, p. 64.
  8. ^ Hacikyan 2002, p. 81.
  9. ^ a b Hoyland 2014, p. 129.
  10. ^ Hoyland 2014, p. 130.
  11. ^ Hoyland 2014, p. 128.

Bibliography

  • Thomson, R. W. (1999). The Armenian History Attributed to Sebeos. Liverpool University Press. ISBN 9780853235644.
  • Hacikyan, Agop (2002). The Heritage of Armenian Literature: From the sixth to the eighteenth century. Wayne State University Press. ISBN 9780814330234.
  • Hoyland, Robert G (2014). Seeing Islam as Others Saw It: A Survey and Evaluation of Christian, Jewish and Zoroastrian Writings on Early Islam. eBooks2go. ISBN 9781618131317.
  • Shoemaker, Stephen J (2021). A prophet has appeared : the rise of Islam through Christian and Jewish eyes : a sourcebook. Oakland, California. ISBN 0520971272.
  • Ararat. Ararat, Volume 27. Armenian General Benevolent Union. p. 16.
  • T. Greenwood, "Sasanian Echoes and Apocalyptic Expectations: A Re-Evaluation of the Armenian History attributed to Sebeos", Le Muséon 115, Fasc. 1—2 (2002) 323—397.
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