History of Armenia, by Father Michael Chamich; from B. C. 2247 to ...

HISTORT OF ARMENIA. 253
countries as a body-guard. They generally
performed all expeditions with Armenian soldiers.
In times of exigency, they would send
for troops from Persia.
Their general place of
residence was the city of Duin. Here they
collected the tributes, and hence they were
dispatched to the Persian king.
The period of
their prefectures was unlimited. Those appointed
from amongst the Armenians had precisely
the same power and privileges as others.
When this country fell under the dominion of
the Caliphs of Damascus, whose power superseded
that of the Persians in Armenia, Prefects
were usually sent at the head of a large body of
troops to take possession of the government.
The city of Duin was generally the seat of their
power, and thence they spread their army over
the kingdom, keeping the Armenians in awe, and
ready to oppose an invader at whatever point
he presented himself. They were not altogether
independent in the exercise of their authority ;
being placed under the immediate control of the
governor of Atropatia. On particular emergencies,
however, they were allowed to inflict
capital punishment. The appointment of Lieutenants
to provinces rested solely with them.
Sometimes the Prefect was appointed by the
Caliph, from amongst the Armenians, but he was
not allowed the power of punishing criminals