Note 1 — Chapter I · A DAY AT SCHOOL
Margaret Payson Waterman translation
During the fifth century, A. D., the Persians, then dominating Armenia, were determined to crush out Christianity in the land, and to compel the people to become Zoroastrians or fire-worshipers, like themselves. But the Armenians withstood this, ready to die rather than deny their faith. Led by the valiant Prince Vartan, they fought and made a brave resistance against an enemy greatly superior in numbers. They were vanquished, and Vartan, their commander-in-chief, fell, with many of his followers, at the Battle of Avaraīr. ↑