The First of Early Modern Armenian Diplomats

Rethinking Abgar Dpir’s Contribution to Armenian National History

Abstract

This article addresses the understudied field of early modern Armenian diplomacy, specifically focusing on the overlooked case of Abgar Dpir’s delegation to Rome in 1562. The delegation marked a turning point in Armenian religious history, triggering Vatican’s aggressive intervention and exacerbating the confessional division between Catholic and Apostolic Armenians. This paper aims to unravel the motives behind Abgar’s mission, acknowledging the diverse goals of those involved. As such, the article claims that Abgar Dpir was not of royal origin. This background was invented by Etchmiadzin leaders to fit Abgar within the Western “society of princes” and to give his delegation a fighting chance. Additionally, the author states that Abgar’s printing activity was a cover-up for his diplomatic mission. Rooted in the “new diplomatic history” paradigm, this article contributes to the understanding of non-elite intermediaries in Mediterranean cross-confessional diplomacy during the early modern period.