Ruling Širak and Aršarunik‘ at the End of the Fifth Century: Sahak Kamsarakan and a Mathematical Problem of Anania Širakac‘i as a Historical Source

This article takes its inspiration from an unusual representation of the relationship between members of the potent Kamsarakan dynasty of Late Antique Armenia, as described in a mathematical problem by the seventh-century polymath Anania Širakac{i. Based on this, it explores inner family dynamics in the system of naxararut{iwn, and the Kamsarakans’ relationship with the other mighty family of the period — the Mamikoneans. The article juxtaposes data from Anania Širakac{i to information provided by Áazar P{arpec{i and Procopius of Caesarea on Sahak Kamsarakan and his brothers Nerseh and Hrahat. It underscores the role of Sahak Kamsarakan as the founder of the most celebrated Late Antique basilica in Armenia — the basilica of Tekor — and in introducing and promoting the cult of St. Sergius, as attested by the famous inscription of Tekor. This is compared to the foundation of yet another outstanding architectural jewel — the basilica of Ereruyk{ — and the significance of these near contemporary structures for the Christianisation of the landscape of Širak, the function of specific saints’ cults, and the role of Kamsarakan princes in promoting them. The article also highlights the hemispheric scope of action of the Kamsarakans fighting on behalf of the Roman and Sasanian Empires, from Italy to Afghanistan, and reminds the readers of their importance as agents of cultural exchanges between their native Armenia and the regio of Širak, to the wider world. Finally, it underscores the value of Anania Širakac{i’s Problems in preserving echoes of a distinct Kamsarakan dynastic memory in the absence of historiographical sources focusing on this specific aristocratic family.