Nicholas Adonts (1871–1942) is one of the outstanding Armenian scholars
who received an excellent education in Russia and Europe. During his studies at
the University of St. Petersburg and later, when he improved his knowledge in
well-known educational centers of Europe – in London, Paris, Vienna,
Strasbourg and Munich, Adonts had the support of the great national benefactor
Alexander Mantashiants.
Eight volumes of Adonts’ works were published by Yerevan State
University with the support of the Armenian branch of the Galust Gyulbenkian Foundation. Adonts left no autobiographical memories․ They would have been
extremely interesting, since his life was really amazing.
Tigran the Great (95–55 BC) was the most beloved historical figure of
Adonts. He actually confirms that Tigran manifested himself as a world
sovereign and enlightener, and his activities require new elucidation. Adonts
presents the great deeds and military successes of the representatives of the
princely house of Mamikonians in the Byzantine Empire. The study “The Fame
of Bagratids” by Adonts is very interesting; it represents the branches of the
Armenian royal house of Bagratids in Georgia, Caucasian Albania and Artsakh.
In his extensive article “The Historical Basis and Ideological Value of the
Novel David Bek”, the historian takes an exploratory approach while describing
the historical events of the novel David Bek by Raffi.
Especially rich is the heritage of the scientist in Byzantine studies, which has
two branches of scientific and cognitive significance. Firstly, it presents
important events of the history of Byzantium, and then the famous figures of
this history, who were Armenians by nationality. In 1928 Adonts made a new
discovery in Byzantine studies, exploring the “Historical basis of the Byzantine
epic Digenis Acritas”. He proved that the epic poem was not Greek, since the
homeland and place of activity of the main hero are the Euphrates valley, and
his exploits take place in Western Armenia.
Adonts was a devoted defendet of the Armenian Cause and dedicated many
articles to this issue.
Adonts left three monumental monographs as a legacy to science. These are:
Armenia in the Era of Justinian (1908), Dionysius of Thrace and Armenian
Commentators (1915) and the posthumously published Critical History of
Armenia (1946).
The scientific heritage of Adonts in the field of Byzantine studies and
Armenology is rich with many scientific discoveries, whose value will be
preserved forever.
