The Book of Arda Viraf

In the name of God.

1 They say that, once upon a time, the pious Zaratusht (Zoroaster) made the religion, which he had received, current in the world; 2 and till the completion of 3U0 years, the religion was in purity, and men were without doubts. 3 But afterwards, the accursed Evil-spirit, the wicked one, in order to make men doubtful of this religion, 4 instigated the accursed Alexander, the Ruman, who was dwelling in Egypt, so that he came to the country of Iran with severe cruelty and war and devastation; 5 he also slew the ruler of Iran, G and destroyed the metropolis and empire, and made them desolate.

7 And this religion, namely, all the Avesta and Zand, written upon prepared cow-skins, and with gold ink, was deposited in the archives, in Stakhar Papakan; 8 and the hostility of the evil-destined, wicked Ashemok, the evil-doer, brought onward Alexander, the Ruman, who was dwelling in Egypt, and he burnt them up. 9 And he killed several desturs and judges and herbads and mobads and upholders of the religion, and the competent and wise of the country of Iran. 10 And he cast hatred and strife, one with the other, amongst the nobles and householders of the country of Iran; 11 and self-destroyed, ho fled to hell.