Armenia is one of the best kept secrets of the ancient and modern world. It has for centuries stood at the meeting point of great empires - the Persian, Byzantine, Ottoman, & Russian. It was the first country in the world to accept Christianity as its state religion (over 1700 years ago) and has retained its unique form of sacred culture. Of all the arts practised over the years - metalwork, tapestry, carving - none was more precious than the art of the illuminated manuscript. Reflecting an exotic mix of influences from East and West, this craft was raised to the highest levels of enchantment and beauty.