THE IMPORTANCE OF THE HISTORICAL CONTEXT IN THE ANCIENT GEORGIAN LITERARY MONUMENTS AND THE DISCOURSE OF DETERMINING THE DATE OF THEIR WRITING

Abstract

Numerous Georgian scientists delve into the origins of ancient Georgian writing. Pinpointing the precise time of writing of ancient literary artifacts proves challenging and contentious. Given the temporal dimension, much remains veiled in ambiguity, with discerning truth now reliant solely on analyzing specific nuances and employing rational logic. While this study briefly addresses the aforementioned matter, it becomes evident that the clarification of this issue cannot be exhausted in one study, because it requires a fundamental and long-term investigation. Hence, we view our research as but one of several endeavors aimed at exploring this remarkably intriguing issue. Moreover, our investigation primarily focuses on the hagiographic monument known as "The Martyr of Nine Saint Brothers.".

We find the discussion surrounding "The Martyr of Nine Saint Brothers" example to be highly intriguing within the framework defined in the essay's title. This work, in our view, serves as a profound reflection of the endeavor to establish Christianity's presence in Georgian literature. Simultaneously, it stands as a crucial historical source.

The narrative recounted in "The Martyr of Nine Saint Brothers" stands out due to its timely and contentious subject matter, depicting the period marked by the interplay between Christianity and paganism. Notably, there exists no definitive or specified stance concerning the writing date of this piece. Instead, various scholars offer differing and occasionally conflicting conclusions, adding to the ongoing relevance of our research.

Key words: Historical discourse; Date, Literary monument; Hagiography; History;