Arabic sources maintain that the Arab conquest in the seventh century wrested Armīniya directly from the Persians. Their discussion of the history of the province centers on Persian rulers such as Anūširwān and Kawāt, without significant recognition of the Greek or Armenian leadership in or before the seventh century. In fact, references to Sasanian-era Armenia are commonplace in ‘Abbāsid-era histories and geographies. In addition, Arabs adopted several Sasanian policies, such as the treatment of Christians and neck-sealing, and adapted them to fit the circumstances of eighth- and ninth-century Armīniya. It is abundantly clear that the region’s Sasanian legacy was pivotal in formulating an Arab conceptualization and governance of the caliphal North. Furthermore, Armenian literature demonstrates a sustained comparison between Persian and Arab rule, indicating that Armenians framed their perceptions of caliphal control within the memory of Sasanian governance. This paper explores the significance of Sasanian legacy in the caliphal North, focusing specifically on the social order in Armīniya. In particular, it examines issues of local authority, as well as the relationship between the center and the Arab and Armenian ruling élites in Armīniya. Looking at both Arabic and Armenian sources, it argues that the main positions of authority changed little in the shift from Sasanian to caliphal rule; this includes comparing the Persian marzpan with the Arab ostikan and considering changes in the ranks of Armenian nobles (naxarark‘) and the position of Prince of Armenia (išxan Hayoc‘) before and after the Arab conquests. The paper also briefly discusses the relationship between the governors and the center (be it Ctesiphon, Damascus or Baghdad), especially on the question of managing the fiercely independent Armenian houses. In general, it argues that Umayyad and early ‘Abbāsid leaders largely perpetuated the state of affairs that existed in Armīniya under Sasanian rule, introducing changes strategically based on specific needs of the Arab population at the time.