the earth’s regions, whether Arab or non-Arab,(1) and each of those kings went on defending his domain, safeguarding his territory,(2) and drawing revenue from his quarter. When one of them died, his son—or another member of his people—succeeded him, and matters continued in that fashion for nearly five hundred years. Then came Ardashir son of Babak, of the house of Sasan son of Bahman son of Isfandiyar son of Vishtasb son of Luhrasp. He restored their monarchy to its former state: every kingdom reverted wholly to him, and he abolished the realms of the petty rulers, leaving none of them, old or new,(3) in possession. It seems, however,(4) that the siege of the lord of al-Hadr—who was the greatest, strongest, and most formidable of them, their chief and leader—was delayed for him. When Ardashir died, his son Shapur took up the task, besieging the man until he captured him, as has been mentioned earlier. God, exalted is He, knows best.