Mushegh I Mamikonian (374-378) was the sparapet of Armenia under King Papas (Pap) and then, after Papas was killed, was the regent for his nephew Varasdates (Varazdat).
While in the service of Papas, Mushegh was a key figure in defeating the invading Persian forces.
Pawstos Buzandaci in his 5th century work History of the Armenians gives us a short description of his character.
“But the brave general sparapet (commander-in-chief) of Armenia was full of vengeance, and all the days of his life he was very zealous and with just labor tried always loyally to work for the kingdom of the land of Armenia. He worked day and night. He strived and labored in warfare, and did not permit even a grain to be taken from the borders of the country of Armenia. He lived for the land, and would die for the reputation of bravery, and for the native lords, the inhabitants of the land, the Christian faith, the baptized folk who believe in God and Christ, for the churches, for their consecrated ornaments, for the martyria of Christ, for the covenant of God, for the sisters and brothers, for the relatives of [his] tohm , and close friends. General Mushegh was always in heroic war, and [was willing to] give his life for the land. He did not spare his life, but all the days of his life he labored for his native lords, the Arsacids.”
Pawstos Buzandaci History of the Armenians (5th century)
After his death his family and relatives put his body on a high tower, believing that the spirits would descend and bring him back to life.
Reblogged this on Notes of a Spurkahye Finally Come Home.