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The Evolution of Christianity in the Caucasus in the IV–XVIII Centuries
Authors: Aleksandr A. Cherkasov, Vladimir G. Ivantsov, Michal Smigel, Violetta S. Molchanova
Number of views: 402
The article discusses the history of christianity in the Caucasus in the IV–XVIII centuries. The main attention is paid to the complex process of the formation and fate of christianity among the various peoples of the region, the role of Byzantine, Georgian and Russian christian missionaries.
Among the sources there are used the pre-revolutionary materials on the history of christianity in the Caucasus, as well as scientific publications. The decision of research tasks is based on the principle of historicism. The problem of the spread of christianity in the Caucasus, while maintaining the pagan beliefs are seen as a consequence of specific socio-historical conditions, in the formation of which the important role was played by external factors, and also the conservative mentality of highlanders.
In conclusion, the authors note that every of the caucasian peoples had its story of the spread and adoption of christianity in the Caucasus. On the one hand, the ancient christian Armenia and Georgia, relatively quickly emerging with paganism, on the other, the mountain tribes, who had no public began taking christianity in the reduced forms under the influence of Byzantium, Georgia, Russia with the broad preservation of pagan beliefs. Ultimately, under the influence of the first Crimean khans, and then the Ottoman Empire, these tribes have consistently converted to Islam.