Prior to the establishment of the Armenian written language, a rich oral literature developed, fragments of which documented from the 5th to the 8th centuries. Following the introduction of the national alphabet in 405-406 by Mesrop Mashtots,[2] the first original works of Armenian literature were composed in the mid-5th century. The initial phase of its development witnessed the diversification of genres, with the 5th century recognized as its "Golden age."
The restoration of the Kingdom of Armenia in 885 held significant implications for literary endeavors. Following its decline in 1045, the Armenian state found renewed formation in Cilicia and Zakarid Armenia, emerging as a novel hub for literary advancements. From the 12th century onward, literature flourished not only in Classical Armenian but also in the Middle Armenian literary language. Throughout the High Middle Ages, literary pursuits extended to the diaspora. The 17th-18th centuries marked a period of resurgence across all Armenian literary genres.
This article incorporates text from a publication now in the : Herbermann, Charles, ed. (1913). "Armenia". Catholic Encyclopedia. New York: Robert Appleton Company.
