On the basis of the manuscripts and other materials preserved in the archives of Tumanyan, one can make a rough idea of the tendency of the drama “Artavazd”, of its possible plot, ideology, psychological developments of the author, and symbols. By means of a comparative examination, not only several essential characteristics of the typological differentiation of Artavazd myth are highlighted, but possible hypotheses for revealing the contextual sub-layers of H. Tumanyan’s “Artavazd” drama are also suggested. While studying the issue, we applied the comparative, historical-comparative, interpretive methods, pointing out and analyzing the basis of tragical conflict between Artashes and Artavazd and the key features in Tumanyan’s notes and in the article “On the section of “Tenchair Satenik” by Khorenatsi”.

Keywords H. Tumanyan M. Khorenatsi legend Artashes Artavazd Satenik unfinished drama notes mythological map envy longing psychological domain.

The first author who wrote riddles on the theme of the Armenian history was the well-known author of medieval Armenian literature, Catholicos Nerses Shnorhali (XII c.). He thematically grouped riddles. The historical figures of the first group of his riddles are connected with the themes of Armenian history of the pre-Christian period and of the fourth century. They are endowed with mythical power and form the mighty strength and spirit of the people. The second group of riddles includes prominent figures associated with the Christianity and culture, who began and paved the way for the Enlightenment and spiritual and moral growth of the people.

Keywords personal-writing riddles A. Mnatsakanyan N. Shnorhali Arme¬nian history Tiratur vardapet (archimandrite) Hovh. Tsortsoretsi Anonymous Agatangeghos Buzand Khorenatsi Artsruni Gandzaketsi.

One of the important fundamental issues of Armenian historiography is the periodization of Armenian history, which undoubtedly contributes to the systematized presentation of the historical past of Armenia and the Armenian people, to the improvement of the level of scientific research and to the disclosure of historical truth. The rich written heritage of Armenian historiographers gives grounds to affirm that attempts to periodize the history of Armenia were undertaken from the very beginning.

Keywordshistoriographers and historians Khorenatsi Armenia periodization of history social system Chamchyan Alishan Leo Adonts.

When determining the time of creation of medieval historiographical monu¬ments, the authors’ own evidence is of primary importance. On this basis, “History of Armenia” by Agathangelos, since the 5th century, has been traditionally considered the first Armenian historiographical work and was dated back to the 4th century. However, the evidence of historians sometimes does not correspond to the reality.

KeywordsAgathangelos “History of Armenia” historiography political agen¬da dating of a monument political motivation Gregory the Illuminator Khorenatsi Koryun “Golden Age”

A.-J. Saint-Martin (1791–1832) is the founder of not only French but also European scientific Armenian studies. The two volumes of the monumental work “Mémoires historiques et géographiques sur l’Arménie”, published in 1818 and 1819, compelled European Orientalists to turn their attention to Armenia – to the rich literature and history of the country that was the first in the East to adopt Christianity at the state level. Knowledge of the history and literature of Armenia presented a universal value.

KeywordsSaint-Martin Arsacids Byuzand Khorenatsi Aygektsi Martiros Yerznkatsi S. Orbelian Hripsime Mkhitarists Armenian historians.