The History of Antiquity, Vol. 5 (of 6)Duncker, Max
History
The History of Antiquity, Vol. 5 (of 6)
Duncker, Max
History, Ancient
that the founder of the kingdom (Arsaces I.) was a descendant of
Phriapites (Friyapaiti), and with his brother Tiridates and five others
he slew the satrap of Antiochus Theos, and drove out the
Macedonians;[95] just as Darius with the six Persian princes overthrew
the dominion of Gaumata; and the Arabs relate that the Arsacids trace
back their stock to Çyavarshana, the son of Kava Uça, a story which
cannot have been invented in Arabia.[96] In the list of the Arsacids we
also find the name Chosru (108-130 A.D.), the Kava Huçrava of the old
legend (p. 37); on the coins we find a Vologeses and a Phraates before
the fire-altar, the characteristic symbol of the ancient worship of
Iran. Just as the old Arian character appears beside the Greek on the
coins of the Greek princes of Bactria, the Greek character on the coins
of the Arsacids gradually degenerates until at length it gives way to a
new Iranian character and language. The tradition sketched in the
Dinkart, as we have seen, represents the Arsacid Vologeses (which of the
four princes of the name is meant is not clear)[97] as collecting what
fragments remained of the holy scriptures in the memory of the priests.
The burning of the scriptures by Alexander, as related in the books of
the Parsees on their exodus and the Arda Viraf, is merely a transference
to him of the conduct of the Moslems on their conquest of Iran. Of the
continuance of the ancient religion of Iran under the Arsacids there can
be no doubt, though it is true that along with it, in the Greek cities
which Alexander and the Seleucids founded, and which were independent
within their walls even under the Parthians, Hellenic rites were
practised. In these cities Syrian modes of worship were also permitted,
and the Aramaic language and culture found entrance into Iran.[98]
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