Page:The History of Armenia - Avdall - Volume 1.djvu/37

 XXXVi PREFACE.

��In the beginning of this period the foundation of th&' Armenian monarchy was established by HaiCi; the fourth descendant of the second general father of man* kind. Haic greatly distinguished himself in defeating the Syrian king Belus, and in relieving his countrymen from the tyranny of his adversary. For this heroic act Haic was generally acknowledged as the grand pro- genitor of the Armenian nation, and all his descendants are called by the name of Haics (Armenians) after his name. The Haican power thus happily established by Haic, was carried to the highest pitch of glory by his wise and powerful successors, who distinguished them- selves by prudence and valour in the wars which they engaged in with the Syrians, the Medes, the Jews, and other neighouring nations of the East. The kingdom of Armenia, like many others, had its fall after a long period of glory and prosperity. Vahey, the last of the Armenian kings, having rashly entered into a war with Alexander the Great, was defeated and slain by the conqueror, who took the country of Armenia under his command.

The second part embraces a period of 176 years during which time Armenia was considered as a province of the powerful empire of Macedonia. The Armenians were at this period ruled by governors sent by the Macedonians, to whom Armenia was tributary until the rise of the Arsacidse.

The third part comprises 580 years, commencing at the reign of Arsaces the Parthian, who, having rebelled against the Seleucidae, proclaimed himself an independent monarch. Arsaces extended his sway over various coun-

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