[2711] The title of the ancient kings of Persia.
[2712] Or Bactriana, more properly.
[2713] Magic, no doubt, has been the subject of belief from the earliest times, whatever may have been the age of Zoroaster, the Zarathustra of the Zendavesta, and the Zerdusht of the Persians. In the Zendavesta he is represented as living in the reign of Gushtasp, generally identified with Darius Hystaspes. He probably lived at a period anterior to that of the Median and Persian kings. Niebuhr regards him as a purely mythical personage.
[2714] See end of B. ii.
[2715] See end of this Book.
[2716] An exaggeration, of Oriental origin, most probably.
[2717] These names have all, most probably, been transmitted to us in a corrupted form. Ajasson gives some suggestions as to their probable Eastern form and origin.
[2718] One among the many proofs, Ajasson says, that the Iliad and the Odyssey belong to totally different periods.
[2719] In reference to the Tenth Book of the Odyssey.
[2720] See B. v. cc. 28, 29. Cicero mentions a college of Aruspices established at this city.