Sykes' History of Persia - Heritage Institute

Pahlavi Inscription at Naksh-i-Rajab.
CHAPTER XXXVI
SHAPUR I., THE CAPTOR OF VALERIAN
This is the image of the Ormuzd-worshipper, the God, Shapur, King o:
Kings Aryan and non-Aryan, of the race of the Gods, son of the Ormuzdworshipper,
the God Ardeshir, King of Kings Aryan, of the race of the Gods,
the offspring of the God Papak, the King.
The Succession of Shapur /., a.d. 240.— Shapur^ or
Sapor I., as the western writers term him, succeeded to
his
great
father in a.d. 240 or 241. According to Persian
accounts his mother was the daughter of Ardawan, who
after her marriage to Ardeshir attempted to poison her
husband in revenge for her father's death. The plot,
however, failed and the guilty woman was ordered away
to execution. As she was pregnant, her life was spared
by the Vizier, who kept her and the son that was born
hidden away. One day Ardeshir complained of being
without an heir, and was overjoyed to hear of the existence
of a son. To test his
breeding, the lad was summoned
with a number of his companions to play polo in the
presence of the monarch, whose prowess at this ancient
game was famous. A ball was intentionally thrown near
the Great King, which Shapur alone dared to follow up,
and he was promptly recognized by his
delighted
father.
Seeing that Ardeshir reigned only for about fourteen years
after the death of Ardawan, this account can hardly be
accepted, as it makes Shapur only thirteen at the time of
his succession. On the other hand, it would be a mistake
to ignore a legend which shows how spirited and manly
were the ideals of the founder of the great dynasty.
^ The name means " Son of a Shah."
430