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CHAPTERS IN THE HISTORY OF ARMENIA 243
system developed after the Persian pattern. The powerful
nobles, called in Armenian nakkarars, became vassal-princes
or feudal lords, who lived in their own strongholds and
governed their lands independently in all domestic matters,
but paid annual tribute to the king, and were bound to follow
him in time of war at the head of their own troops, chiefly
consisting of well-trained horsemen.
This highly developed feudal system had obvious weak
nesses, but had certain strong points as well. It greatly
diminished the country’s belligerent power, as it prevented
the people from feeling that they formed a real political unit,
and from joining forces in times of peril to resist enemies
from outside. It often led to inner dissensions among the
feudal lords, to an even greater extent than in Georgia. But,
on the other hand, so long as the powerful Nakharars in their
strongholds could defend and retain their freedom, it was
difficult for foreign rulers to establish any firm footing in the
country ; and notwithstanding the outward dependence of
Armenia, these feudal lords were for a long time able to save
the country and its population from destruction by the way
in which they upheld the local independence of their lands at
home. In the thirteenth century, however, the Nakharars
more or less disappeared, and this, so far as Armenia’s political
existence was concerned, was the beginning of the end.
A decisive factor in the whole history of the Armenian
people was the exposed position of their country. The
Armenian highlands formed a very valuable coign of vantage
for warlike expeditions both to the east and west, and accord
ingly the possession of this key position was considered of
great importance by the World Powers on either side in their
constant wars with each other. But the very situation which
involved the country in so many political struggles may have
had certain material advantages. The important caravan
routes from Persia, India, and Babylon naturally came to pass
largely through Armenia to the Black Sea, where the busy
port of Trebizond was situated. Through being continually
in contact with this stream of world trade the Armenians
probably became efficient traders at an early date ; and the
frequent visits of foreign travellers would encourage handi
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