It was not long after the defeat which he suffered in this quarter that Isdigerd’s reign came to an end.  He died A.D. 457, after having held the throne for seventeen or (according to some) for nineteen years.  He was a prince of considerable ability, determination, and courage.  That his subjects called him “the Clement” is at first sight surprising, since clemency is certainly not the virtue that any modern writer would think of associating with his name.  But we may assume from the application of the term that, where religious considerations did not come into play, he was fair and equitable, mild-tempered, and disinclined to harsh punishments.  Unfortunately, experience tells us that natural mildness is no security against the acceptance of a bigot’s creed; and, when a policy of persecution has once been adopted, a Trajan or a Valerian will be as unsparing as a Maximin or a Galerius.  Isdigerd was a bitter and successful persecutor of Christianity, which he—­for a time at any rate—­stamped out, both from his own proper dominions, and from the newly-acquired province of Armenia.  He would have preferred less violent means; but, when they failed, he felt no scruples in employing the extremest and severest coercion.  He was determined on uniformity; and uniformity he secured, but at the cost of crushing a people, and so alienating them as to make it certain that they would, on the first convenient occasion, throw off the Persian yoke altogether.

The coins of Isdigerd II. nearly resemble those of his father, Varahran V., differing only in the legend, and in the fact that the mural crown of Isdigerd is complete.  The legend is remarkably short, being either Masdisn kadi Tezdikerti, or merely Kadi Yezdikerti—­i.e. “the Ormazd-worshipping great Isdigerd;” or “Isdigord the Great.”  The coins are not very numerous, and have three mint-marks only, which are interpreted to mean “Khuzistan,” “Ctesiphon,” and “Nehavend.” [PLATE XXI., Fig. 3.]

[Illustration:  PLATE XXI.]

CHAPTER XVI.

Right of Succession disputed between the two Sons of Isdigerd II., Perozes (or Firuz) and Hormisdas.  Civil War for two years.  Success of Perozes, through aid given him by the Ephthalites.  Great Famine.  Perozes declares War against the Ephthalites, and makes an Expedition into their Country.  His ill success.  Conditions of Peace granted him.  Armenian Revolt and War.  Perozes, after some years, resumes the Ephthalite War.  His attack fails, and he is slain in battle.  Summary of his Character.  Coins of Hormisdas III. and Perozes.  Vase of Perozes.