ABASGI

ABASGI. - Aborigines of the western Caucasus, dwelling in the region between the Singames and Pityus; semi-dependent on Rome from the time of Hadrian. Under Theodosius, the Ala prima Abasgorum had its quarters in the great oasis of the Thebaid. Procopius attests that, down to his own time, these barbarians worshipped woods, believing that trees were divinities. According to the custom of the Caucasian peoples, they traded with Byzantium and the empire, selling attractive children who had already been made eunuchs. Justinian prohibited this inhuman practice, making use of a palace eunuch, Efrata, himself an Abasgian, and at the same time provided for the evangelization of that people by sending missionaries and, later, by establishing a bishop there as well. s. Massimo il Confessore distinguished himself in this work and, after him, s. Stefano il Giovane. During Heraclius’ Persian expedition, the A. abandoned the emperor, but they always remained attached to the Catholic faith.