A time came upon King Shapur when, despite all his treasure and the Kyanian crown, his heart was weighed down by the foreboding of destined trials. As three watches of the dark night passed, he summoned his chief astrologer to bring forth the brass astrolabe and peer into the secrets of the turning cosmos. The star-gazer observed the Heart of Leo—a radiant sign of victory and fierce struggle—yet one that portended a grave affliction through which the Royal Glory would ultimately shine even brighter. The astrologer warned that against this inexorable turning of the heavens, neither warrior's prowess nor sage's wisdom could alter fate. Yet Shapur, steadfast in spirit, placed his complete trust in Yazdan, declaring that the Almighty alone remains the ultimate guardian of mortals.
Once his realms were secure and prosperous, Shapur conceived a bold design: to personally assess the true strength, army, and character of Caesar of Rome. Entrusting the governance of Iran to a wise and noble paladin, he assembled ten great camel caravans, thirty of which were laden with gold dinars, precious gems, and fine silks. Disguised as a pious merchant from Jaz, Shapur set out toward the Roman heartland. Arriving near the imperial city, he lodged overnight with a village chieftain, bestowing generous gifts, before riding to Caesar’s palace at dawn.
He presented himself to the imperial chamberlain, requesting an audience to offer rich tribute and military wares to Caesar's treasury while seeking imperial protection for his trade. Impressed by his royal stature, the chamberlain led him into the presence of Caesar. The Roman emperor was captivated by the merchant's striking beauty and royal demeanor, ordering a magnificent feast and clearing the hall of strangers. However, a malicious Iranian exile living in Rome recognized Shapur's distinct features and secretly whispered the truth to Caesar: this was no merchant, but Shapur, the Sovereign of Iran himself.
Stunned by this revelation, Caesar waited until Shapur was overcome with wine, then had his guards seize the king. The Iranian monarch was bound and subjected to a terrible punishment: sewn tightly inside the raw hide of a donkey, which shrank agonizingly as it dried in the heat. Locked in a dark, cramped cell, his key was entrusted to Caesar's queen. Believing Shapur hopelessly neutralized, Caesar immediately launched a devastating military campaign into the defenseless lands of Iran.