Vologeses III superintends the Collection of the Pehlevi Avesta, AD 160 (litho)

Vologeses III superintends the Collection of the Pehlevi Avesta, AD 160. The Parthian rulers became so Persianized as to impose a corruption of their own name, Pehlevi, on the current form of the Persian language. They rigidly upheld Persian tradition and cult, and Vologeses III (147-191 AD) commenced to collect the scattered remains of the Zend Avesta. This collection was completed by the Sasanids, Ardashir and Shapur II (310-379), a most important act historically, because it prevented the eastward spread of Christianity. Illustration for Hutchinson's History of the Nations (Hutchinson, c.1920). Note: Image has been digitally enhanced to facilitate repro.