The Educational-Ecclesiastic Missions and Networking Between the Roman Osroene and Sasanian Armenia in the First Half of the Fifth Century
Abstract
This article reexamines Maštoc‘’s first and second journeys to Roman Territory through the lens of frontier networking, utilizing prosopographic analysis of Roman hosts and encounters. I propose that Maštoc‘’s first journey occurred between 406 and 407 during the episcopacy of Pqida of Edessa, countering the identification of Babilas with Rabbula of Edessa. For the second journey, I suggest it likely took place between 422 and 423, with 425 as a terminus ante quem. While Koriwn and Movsēs mention Anatolius as Maštoc‘’s assistant, I argue that the evidence does not support his active military role during the 421-22 conflict.
Submitted: April 28, 2025 | Accepted: Aug. 28, 2025 | Published Dec. 12, 2025 | Language: en
Keywords Anatolius • Sasanian Empire • Maštoc‘ • Armenian Church • Frontier networking • Rabbula of Edessa • Prosopographic analysis • Roman Empire
Copyright © 2025 Anna Usacheva. This is an open-access work distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction is permitted, provided that the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. The license allows for commercial use. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
Permalink http://doi.org/10.30687/arm/2974-6051/2025/01/004