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

370 HISTORY OF ARMENIA.
of Arkunashen in the province of ZorapKor,
then became pontiff. He was eminently distinguished
for an intimate acquaintance with
the sciences, and was equally skilful in every
department of human knowledge. He was
brought up in the strictest observance of the
duties
of morality and piety, by the celebrated
and learned Theodorus. In the seventh year
of his pontificate numerous banditti from the
Lazirs infested Armenia.
Gregory the prefect
fell in a conflict with these marauders, after a
government of twenty-four years.
For about two years after his decease Armenia
remauied without a governor, in consequence
of which every species of disorder and trouble
afflicted the nation, increased by the horrid
devastations of its enemies, who assailed it ia
the people having no allies to whom
all quarters ;
they could look for assistance.
A. D. 6S5.
After the expiration of the abovementioned
Haican
^
era 134.
pgrjod, an individual of the name of Ashot, a
Bagratian and son of one Beurat, rose from
obscurity, and assembling a few troops, attacked
and routed the enemies of the
nation, and took
upon himself the government, and appointed
his brother Sumbat general of Armenia.
He then made peace with the Saracens, consenting
to pay them yearly tribute. Justinian II,
who then wore the imperial purple, perceiving