Queens of the Armenians, Hayk Khachatrian (softcover)

150 Biographies Based on History and Legend

During the early years of Armenia’s long existence as a nation, the people were ruled by kings. But history for the most part has been silent about the women who sat on the throne as consorts to the kings. Author Hayk Khachatrian has conducted an exhaustive examination of historical sources and legends in order to compile biographical sketches of all the queens of the Armenians, beginning with the wife of the first sovereign, King Aram, and ending with Queen Margarita, who ruled with King Levon V Lusignan until the fall of the Kingdom of Cilicia in 1375.

Appearing on the pages of this book are such fascinating figures as the controversial Queen Parandzem, who reportedly murdered her rival for the king’s affection but heroically defended her nation; the beloved Queen Katranide, who served as patroness for some of the masterpieces of medieval Armenian architecture; and young Queen Zabel, who ruled in her own right and attracted the attention of an assortment of suitors.

Legends and tales supplemented by fictional dialogue characteristic of the times enhance the biographical information in this book.