Peace of Acilisene

Quick Facts: Who was Peace of Acilisene?

Subject:

Peace of Acilisene

Known for:

A 4th-century treaty dividing Armenia between the Eastern Roman and Sasanian Empires.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Foundation

The background to the Peace of Acilisene was marked by significant instability within the Armenian monarchy during the late 4th century. Prior to the treaty, the Armenian leadership faced internal strife, including the self-destruction of Arshak II in 367 and the murder of Pap of Armenia by Traianus in 374. These dynastic crises weakened Armenia's position, making it susceptible to external geopolitical maneuvering by the great powers surrounding it.

Breakthrough & Iconic Era

The treaty itself, resolved in two stages—384 and subsequently in 387—formally partitioned the Kingdom of Armenia. Under the auspices of the Eastern Roman Empire, led by Theodosius I, and the Sasanian Empire, under Shapur III, the division was established. The terms dictated that the Sasanids would gain the larger portion, designated as Persarmenia, while the Romans retained the region known as Sophene and a smaller segment.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The Peace of Acilisene represents a critical moment of geopolitical subjugation for Armenia, solidifying a division between two massive empires. This treaty effectively curtailed the independent sovereignty of the Armenian kingdom, forcing its internal dynasties to consider placing Pap's two sons on the thrones of the two separate partitions. Its resolution profoundly shaped the political map of the Near East for centuries to come.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Peace of Acilisene

True or False: “The Peace of Acilisene resulted in the permanent, independent sovereignty of the Armenian Kingdom.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The treaty was a major geopolitical event that resulted in the division of the Kingdom of Armenia between the Eastern Roman Empire and the Sasanian Empire, severely limiting its independence.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Peace of Asti — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: A 1615 peace treaty signed between Spain and Savoy during the War of the Montferrat Succession.
• Peace of Augsburg — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Treaty establishing religious division in the Holy Roman Empire: Cuius regio, eius religio.
• Peace of Baden (1412) — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: A 50-year peace treaty signed in 1412 between Austria and the Swiss Confederation.
• Peace of Basel — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: A set of three treaties concluding French Revolutionary Wars against the First Coalition.
• Peace of Bautzen — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Treaty ending Polish-German wars over Lusatia and Upper Lusatia in 1018.
• Peace of Brześć Kujawski — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: 1435 peace treaty ending the Polish–Teutonic War, limiting Teutonic influence.

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