The First Christian Nation: The Ancient Churches and Monasteries of Armenia
or
Who Now Remembers The Armenians?

The proud tradition of the Armenians is that their king and people accepted Christianity from a certain St Gregory at the beginning of the 4th century AD, even before the establishment of Christianity in the Roman Empire by Constantine the Great.

The lecture concentrates on the long and fascinating Christian architectural tradition evident in the beautiful and often remote churches and monasteries that have survived the ravages of men and time from the early mediaeval period.

Examples come not just from the present day republic of Armenia but the parts of Iran and Turkey where Armenian communities were once well established.

These churches and monasteries show some characteristic architectural forms and, especially, a fascinating tradition of stone carving and lively relief sculpture on the outer walls of the buildings.

This illustrated lecture should particularly suit those who are interested in architecture and religious art.

Recommended Reading:

• Philip Marsden - The Crossing Place (Harper Collins)
• Nira & Michael Stone - The Armenians: Art, Culture and Religion (The Chester Beatty Library)
• Thomas de Waal - The Caucasus (Oxford)
• Christoph Baumer - History of the Caucasus (IBTauris)