THE ARIANS AND GENERAL CUSTOMS OF THE PERSIANS

S. 12:

1.94.2:

Zoroaster, one of the inspired lawgivers:

(1.94.2) … It is recorded that among the Arians Zathraustes [Zoroaster] claimed that the Good Spirit gave him his laws, … They all did this either because they believed that a conception that would help humanity was marvellous and wholly divine, or because they held that the common crowd would be more likely to obey the laws if their view were directed towards the majesty and power of those to whom their laws were ascribed.

S. 13:

5.55.3:

Qualities of the Persian Magi:

(5.55.3) And men say that the Telchinians were also wizards and could summon clouds and rain and hail at their will and likewise could even bring snow; these things, the accounts tell us, they could do even as could the Magi of Persia; and they could also change their natural shapes and were jealous of teaching their arts to others.

S. 14:

5.77.8:

‘Persian Artemis’:

(5.77.8) This goddess is held in special honour among the Persians, and the barbarians hold mysteries which are performed among other peoples even down to this day in honour of the Persian Artemis.

S. 15:

10.31.1 (= Tz. H. 1,585–7):

Persian marriage customs:

(10.31.1) *…

This Cimon was married to his own sister Elpinice As Ptolemy at a later time to Berenice, And Zeus to Hera before them, and at present the Persians do.

CYRUS THE GREAT (C. 576/5–530)

S. 16:

9.2.3–4 (= Const. Exc. 4: 281):

Cyrus and Croesus:

(9.2.3) *… And at a later time, when Croesus had been taken prisoner by Cyrus and was about to be burned upon a great pyre, he recalled the answer Solon had given him. And so, while the fire was already blazing about him, he kept on calling the name of Solon.

And Cyrus sent men to find out why he kept on calling the name of Solon. When he heard the truth, Cyrus changed his plans, and because he believed that Solon's reply was the truth, he ceased to regard Croesus with contempt, put out the pyre, saved Croesus, and counted him henceforth as one of his friends.