When did Armenian written literature begin?

Armenian written literature began in the 5th century CE, following the invention of the Armenian alphabet in 405 CE by Mesrop Mashtots.12

While there is evidence that a pagan oral literature existed in Armenia prior to this period, very little of it was preserved due to the efforts of early Christian priests. Following the adoption of Christianity (c. 300 CE), Armenians initially relied on Greek and Syriac religious texts, which were largely inaccessible to the general population.2

The creation of the alphabet facilitated a "golden age" of Armenian literature during the 5th century, characterized by both translations of religious works—such as the "Mesropian" Bible—and original historical and polemical writings.32