Epic Lore & Biography

Caesar, the Emperor of Rome and ruler of the Western empire in Shahnameh traditions. Seeking to test the intellect of Persia's monarch and potentially evade paying annual tribute, he dispatched a locked, sealed casket containing hidden pearls to Khosrow Noshirvan's court, challenging the Iranian sages to reveal its contents without opening the lock.

Shahnameh Distichs Featuring this Entity (37)

نه قیصر بخواهم نه فغفور چین / نه از تاجداران ایران زمین

“'I desire neither Caesar of Rome, nor Faghfur of China, nor any of the crown-wearers of the land of Iran!'”

Manoochehr • Rudabeh Reveals Her Heart to Her Handmaidens بیت #2343

ز کشتی سبک بادبان برکشید / جهانجوی را سوی قیصر کشید

“Swiftly he hoisted the sails of the boat, conveying the world-seeker toward the realm of Caesar.”

Lohrasp • Goshtasp's Arrival in Rum: Rejections at Court and the Shattered Anvil بیت #22785

برآوردهٔ سلم جای بزرگ / نشستنگه قیصران سترگ

“A noble metropolis built by Salm of old, the throne-seat of mighty Caesars.”

Lohrasp • Goshtasp's Arrival in Rum: Rejections at Court and the Shattered Anvil بیت #22787

چو در شهر آباد چندی بگشت / ز ایوان به دیوان قیصر گذشت

“After wandering through the bustling city, he passed from the courtyard to Caesar's royal chancery.”

Lohrasp • Goshtasp's Arrival in Rum: Rejections at Court and the Shattered Anvil بیت #22791

یکی باد سرد از جگر برکشید / به نزدیک چوپان قیصر رسید

“He drew a cold sigh from deep within his chest and went toward Caesar's chief shepherd.”

Lohrasp • Goshtasp's Arrival in Rum: Rejections at Court and the Shattered Anvil بیت #22799

چو بشنید گشتاسپ غمگین برفت / ره ساربانان قیصر گرفت

“When Goshtasp heard this, he departed sorrowfully and sought out Caesar's chief camel-driver.”

Lohrasp • Goshtasp's Arrival in Rum: Rejections at Court and the Shattered Anvil بیت #22808

به چیزی که ما راست چون سر کنی / به آید گر آهنگ قیصر کنی

“'How canst thou content thyself with our humble lot? 'Twere far better to present thyself before Caesar!'”

Lohrasp • Goshtasp's Arrival in Rum: Rejections at Court and the Shattered Anvil بیت #22815

ترا بی‌نیازی دهد زین سخن / جز آهنگ درگاه قیصر مکن

“'He will make thee independent of such toil; do not hesitate to seek Caesar's throne.'”

Lohrasp • Goshtasp's Arrival in Rum: Rejections at Court and the Shattered Anvil بیت #22816

همی ساختی نعل اسپان شاه / بر قیصر او را بدی پایگاه

“He crafted shoes for the King's steeds and held high esteem before the Caesar.”

Lohrasp • Goshtasp's Arrival in Rum: Rejections at Court and the Shattered Anvil بیت #22821

بیامد سبک قیصر از میمنه / دو داماد را کرد پیش بنه

“Caesar swiftly came from the right wing, placing his two sons-in-law out in front.”

Lohrasp • Goshtasp's Battle with Elyas, the Capture, and the Wearing of the Kiani Crown بیت #23351

ابر میمنه پور قیصر سقیل / ابر میسره قیصر و کوس و پیل

“On the right wing was Saqil, Caesar's son; on the left wing stood Caesar himself with war-drums and elephants.”

Lohrasp • Goshtasp's Battle with Elyas, the Capture, and the Wearing of the Kiani Crown بیت #23352

چنین گفت الیاس با انجمن / که قیصر همی باژ خواهد ز من

“Elyas spoke thus to his assembly: 'Caesar demands tribute from me!'”

Lohrasp • Goshtasp's Battle with Elyas, the Capture, and the Wearing of the Kiani Crown بیت #23355

ز پیش سواران کشانش ببرد / بیاورد و نزدیک قیصر سپرد

“He dragged him away in full view of the horsemen, brought him forth, and handed him over to Caesar.”

Lohrasp • Goshtasp's Battle with Elyas, the Capture, and the Wearing of the Kiani Crown بیت #23362

بر قیصر آمد سپه تاخته / به پیروزی و گردن افراخته

“The victorious army galloped back to Caesar, proud and exalted in their triumph.”

Lohrasp • Goshtasp's Battle with Elyas, the Capture, and the Wearing of the Kiani Crown بیت #23366

ز لشکر چو قیصر بدیدش به راه / ز شادی پذیره شدش با سپاه

“When Caesar saw him coming from among the ranks, he went forth joyfully with his army to welcome him.”

Lohrasp • Goshtasp's Battle with Elyas, the Capture, and the Wearing of the Kiani Crown بیت #23367

چو برخاست قیصر به گشتاسپ گفت / که پاسخ چرا ماندی در نهفت

“When Caesar arose, he spoke to Goshtasp, saying: 'Why did you leave your answer hidden in secrecy?'”

Lohrasp • The Coronation of Goshtasp, the Arrival of Caesar and Katayun, and Lohrasp's Abdication بیت #23464

بدو گفت قیصر تو داناتری / برین آرزو بر تواناتری

“Caesar said to him: 'You are wiser, and fully capable of achieving this desire.'”

Lohrasp • The Coronation of Goshtasp, the Arrival of Caesar and Katayun, and Lohrasp's Abdication بیت #23469

چو گشتاسپ دید آن دلارای کام / فرستاد نزدیک قیصر پیام

“When Goshtasp saw that heart-delighting fulfillment, he sent a message to Caesar,”

Lohrasp • The Coronation of Goshtasp, the Arrival of Caesar and Katayun, and Lohrasp's Abdication بیت #23490

فرستاده چون نزد قیصر رسید / به دشت آمد و ساز لشکر بدید

“When the messenger reached Caesar, he came out to the plain and beheld the array of the host.”

Lohrasp • The Coronation of Goshtasp, the Arrival of Caesar and Katayun, and Lohrasp's Abdication بیت #23495

بدانست قیصر که گشتاسپ اوست / فروزندهٔ جان لهراسپ اوست

“Caesar realized that he was indeed Goshtasp, the illuminating soul of Lohrasp.”

Lohrasp • The Coronation of Goshtasp, the Arrival of Caesar and Katayun, and Lohrasp's Abdication بیت #23498

بشد قیصر و رنج و تشویر برد / بسی نیز بر خوی بد برشمرد

“Caesar departed, bearing hardship and shame, and repented for his ill temperament.”

Lohrasp • The Coronation of Goshtasp, the Arrival of Caesar and Katayun, and Lohrasp's Abdication بیت #23504

چو قیصر دو منزل بیامد به راه / عنان تگاور بپیچید شاه

“When the Caesar had traveled two stages upon the road, the king turned his charger's rein.”

Lohrasp • The Coronation of Goshtasp, the Arrival of Caesar and Katayun, and Lohrasp's Abdication بیت #23517

پس آن دختر نامور قیصرا / که ناهید بد نام آن دخترا

“Then that renowned daughter of Caesar, whom they called Nahid,”

Goshtasp • Daquiqi's Prologue: Lohrasp's Abdication, Coronation of Goshtasp, and the Birth of Esfandiyar and Peshotan بیت #23567

بگفت آنک از چرم خر دیده بود / سخنهای قیصر که بشنیده بود

“Relating how he had endured the ass's hide, and all the haughty words he had heard from Caesar,”

Zolaktaf • The Manifestation of Shapur's Glory and the Secret Assembly in Suristan بیت #33101

چو قیصر بیابد ز ما آگهی / که بیدار شد فر شاهنشهی

“'If Caesar receives word of us, learning that the royal divine glory has reawakened,”

Zolaktaf • The Manifestation of Shapur's Glory and the Secret Assembly in Suristan بیت #33109

بیاید سپاه مرا برکند / دل و پشت ایرانیان بشکند

“He will march forth to uproot my host and break the heart and back of the Iranians.'”

Zolaktaf • The Manifestation of Shapur's Glory and the Secret Assembly in Suristan بیت #33110

اگر چه فرستادهٔ قیصرم / همان چاکر شاه را چاکرم

“'Though I am Caesar's envoy, I am also a servant to the servant of the King.'”

Bahgoor • The Roman Envoy Seated on Bahram's Throne: Seven Hidden Riddles and the High Priest's Discourse on Wisdom بیت #35944

درودی رسانم ز قیصر به شاه / که جاوید باد این سر و تاج و گاه

“'I convey greetings from Caesar to the King: May this crown, throne, and head endure forever!'”

Bahgoor • The Roman Envoy Seated on Bahram's Throne: Seven Hidden Riddles and the High Priest's Discourse on Wisdom بیت #35945

سخن‌گوی بگشاد راز از نهفت / سخنهای قیصر به موبد بگفت

“The spokesman revealed the secret and related Caesar's words to the Mobad.”

Bahgoor • The Roman Envoy Seated on Bahram's Throne: Seven Hidden Riddles and the High Priest's Discourse on Wisdom بیت #35950

سخن‌دان قیصر چو پاسخ شنید / زمین را ببوسید و فرمان گزید

“When Caesar's eloquent envoy heard this answer, he kissed the ground and submitted to his wisdom.”

Bahgoor • The Roman Envoy Seated on Bahram's Throne: Seven Hidden Riddles and the High Priest's Discourse on Wisdom بیت #35975

فرستادهٔ قیصر نامدار / سوی خانه رفت از بر شهریار

“The envoy of the famous Caesar likewise retired to his abode from the royal presence of the King.”

Bahgoor • The Roman Envoy Seated on Bahram's Throne: Seven Hidden Riddles and the High Priest's Discourse on Wisdom بیت #35984

وزان نامه کز قیصر آمد بدوی / همی آب تیره درآمد به جوی

“And regarding that letter sent to him by Caesar, dark water has indeed entered the stream.”

Anooshirvan • News of the Rebellion Reaches Anushirvan and His Stern Decree بیت #38381

ازان کو هم‌آواز و هم کیش اوست / گمانند قیصر بتن خویش اوست

“Since Caesar shares his creed and vocal faith, he deems him to be of his very own flesh and blood.”

Anooshirvan • News of the Rebellion Reaches Anushirvan and His Stern Decree بیت #38382

سوی کیش قیصر گراید همی / ز دیهیم ما سر بتابدهمی

“He leans toward the faith of Caesar, turning his head away from our royal crown.”

Anooshirvan • Anushirvan's Mandate to Ram-Barzin: Preserving Royal Blood while Crushing Rebellion بیت #38395

پدرت آن جهاندار آزادمرد / شنیدی که با روم و قیصر چه کرد

“'Have you not heard what your father, that noble monarch, did unto Rome and Caesar?'”

Anooshirvan • The Battle and the Counsel of Piruz-Shir to Nushzad بیت #38455

پس از روم و قیصر زبان برگشاد / همی‌کرد زان قفل و زان درج یاد

“Afterwards, he spoke of Rome and Caesar, recalling the locked casket and its mystery.”

Anooshirvan • Bozorgmehr Solves the Secret of the Locked Casket بیت #41168

چو بشنید رومی زبان برگشاد / سخن‌های قیصر همه کرد یاد

“Hearing this, the Roman envoy spoke and recalled all the words of Caesar:”

Anooshirvan • Bozorgmehr Solves the Secret of the Locked Casket بیت #41178