Heraclius II’s Caucasian Policy in the 1760s (according to the autobiographical memoir of Joseph [Hovsep] Emin)

Abstract

This article examines Heraclius II's Caucasian policy during the 1760s, as documented in the autobiographical memoir of Joseph Emin, a prominent Armenian public figure and leader of the national liberation movement. Joseph Emin's work, The Life and Adventures of Joseph Emin, serves as a valuable historical source shedding light on this period.

The article explores the historical context and significance of Heraclius II's policies in the Kingdom of Kartli-Kakheti, and their implications for the broader region, extending beyond the South Caucasus. By comparing Emin's memoir with other historical sources and scientific materials, this article reconstructs the intricate military and political landscape of the 1760s in the South Caucasus.

This study holds particular relevance for researchers of the early modern history of the Georgian and Armenian peoples, offering insights into an era that to some extent shaped the destiny of these two nations. Furthermore, it underscores the global importance of understanding the multifaceted historical dynamics that unfolded in the region throughout this period.