368 HISTORY OF AEMENIA.
confirmed Hamazasp in the government by the title of prefect. When the news of this circum- stance reached the caliph of Damascus, he put all the Armenian hostages to death, and com- menced preparations to invade that country in person, determined to deliver it up to pillage and the sword. Before, however, he had time to carry his designs into execution, a sedition broke out among his troops, by whom he was killed. His successor M oaviah having entered into negotiations with the Armenians, they were prevailed upon again to renounce subjection to the emperor, and return to the obedience of the Saracens. Eight months after this event Hama- zasp the Mamiconian died, having held the go- vernment five vears, A.D.659. He was succeeded by his brother Gregory, «n 108. by order of Moaviah the caliph of Damascus. This governor built a large church in the village of Aruch, near Mount Aragaz, and a spacious convent to the eastward of Elivard. Immediately after a war ensued between the Greeks and the Saracens, which terminated in favour of the latter, in consequence of the treachery of the Armenian general, Vard, who betrayed the Greeks into the hands of the Saracens. Yard, however, was severely punished for his treason, henceforward never enjoying rest through the compunctions of his guilty conscience. Imme-
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