Mesrop Mashtots
Mesrop Mashtots | |
|---|---|
| Մեսրոպ Մաշտոց | |
This 1882 painting by Stepanos Nersissian (now kept at the Pontifical Residence in Etchmiadzin) is a commonly reproduced image of Mashtots. | |
| Born | c. 361 |
| Died | 17 February 440 (aged 78–79) (traditional date) |
| Resting place | Saint Mesrop Mashtots Church, Oshakan, Armenia |
| Occupations | Court secretary, missionary, militaryman, inventor |
| Era | Armenian Golden Age |
| Known for | Inventing the Armenian alphabet |
Mesrop Mashtots (ⓘ; Armenian: Մեսրոպ Մաշտոց, romanized: Mesrop Maštoc' 362 – 17 February 440 AD) was an Armenian linguist, composer, theologian, statesman, and hymnologist. He is venerated as a saint in the Armenian Apostolic Church.
He is best known for inventing the Armenian alphabet c. 405 AD, which was a fundamental step in strengthening Armenian national identity. He is also considered to be the creator of the Caucasian Albanian and, possibly, the Georgian script, though it is disputed.