EPISODES FROM THE LIFE OF PHARNAVAZ

Abstract

The article is devoted to the analysis of a text of great importance for Georgian historiography -„The Life of Pharnavaz“, which recounts episodes from the life of the first king of Kartli (according to „The Conversion of Kartli,“ the second king of Kartli). Scholarly interest in this work is enhanced by the fact that it simultaneously reflects both the realistic foundations of legend and a rich symbolic world. Based on the analysis of archaeological and architectural data (with parallels drawn from the rock-cut complexes of Uplistsikhe, Vardzia, and the rock-cut tombs of Orumiyeh), the study 
attempts a reconstruction of an architectural model. Particular attention is also paid to the „treasure“ discovered in the cave (gold, silver, and„samshakurebeli“), as well as to the complex of 
royal insignia, which became the basis for legitimizing Pharnavaz’s authority.The paper further examines the etymology of the name Pharnavaz and of „Armaz“. „Pharna“ is an epithet of Ahura Mazda meaning „radiance“ or „glory“; farna hastama signifies „the most 
radiant,“ which corresponds to khvara (khvar), the sun, and ultimately denotes a symbol of royal religion. It should also be noted that in modern Persian far likewise means „radiance“. At the same time, the throne name Pharnavaz is not attested either in Old Persian Achaemenid inscriptions or in the Avesta; it appears to be a later form and is encountered only among dynastic names of Asia Minor. As for „Armaz“, it denotes supremacy. According to „The Conversion of Kartli“, where the nature of this idol is described, nothing indicates a Zoroastrian cult. A discussion of the attributes of the idol Armaz will be presented in a subsequent issue of the journal „Archaeology“ under the title „Episodes from the Life of Pharnavaz and the Divine Nature of „Armaz““.