Neither were they inclined to admit the claims of Sapor, whose government of Armenia had not been particularly successful, and whose recent desertion of his proper post for the advancement of his own private interests was a crime against his country which deserved punishment rather than reward.

Armenia had actually revolted as soon as he quitted it, had driven out the Persian garrison, and was a prey to rapine and disorder.

We cannot be surprised that, under these circumstances, Sapor's machinations and hopes were abruptly terminated, soon after his father's demise, by his own murder.

The nobles and chief Magi took affairs into their own hands.

Instead of sending for Varahran, or awaiting his arrival, they selected for king a descendant of Artaxerxes I.only remotely related to Isdigerd--a prince of the name of Chosroes--and formally placed him upon the throne.