I n Chapter 10, you learned about some of the many contributions Muslims have made to world culture. One of their major contributions has been their rich tradition of poetry and storytelling. The Persians (who lived in present-day Iran) are especially known for their epic poems, or long poems that tell a story.

Abolqasem Mansour Ferdowsi was a Persian nobleman and poet. Not much is known about his early life. Some stories say he began the great epic poem called Shahnama, or Epic of Kings, to earn marriage money for his only daughter.

Ferdowsi based his epic on an earlier work by an ancient Persian poet named Daqiqi. That poet had begun the history of the Persian kings. However, Daqiqi was murdered, supposedly by his servant, before he could complete it. Epic of Kings is part legend and part history. It traces the reigns of many kings, which is how it got its title. Ferdowsi spent 35 years writing his epic. In addition to wanting to write a wonderful poem for the sake of art, Ferdowsi also wanted the Persians to know and honor their history.

Below is an excerpt from Epic of Kings. In it, Ferdowsi describes one of the ancient kings of Persia. What details do you think are true? What might be exaggeration?

Excerpt from Shahnama (Epic of Kings)

But a little while had Kai Khosrau [the king] sat upon the throne of Iran, yet the world resounded with [celebrated] his fame, and all men bare upon their lips the praises of his wisdom.. And men from all parts of the earth came forth to do homage before [honor] him.. And there came with them an army that made the plains black like to ebony, and the sounds of their war trumpets made the heart to tremble.

Now when the day was come Kai Khosrau descended into the plains to receive them [the army]. And he was seated upon an elephant of war, and on his head he wore the crown of might [physical strength], and about his neck the chain of supremacy [power]; and in his hand he bare [held] a mace [club] of might, and on his arms were bracelets of great worth, and precious stones were strewn [scattered] about his garments.


Investigating Literature

Historians use a variety of sources to learn about ancient and medieval history. They inspect artifacts, written documents, letters, diaries, and even literature and artwork from the time period. Though Epic of Kings is part legend and part history, it still may be a valuable source of information.

On a separate sheet of paper, answer these questions to determine the usefulness of Epic of Kings in learning about the rulers of Persia:

1.	Verifiable information is information that can be proven by examining other sources. Unverifiable information is information that cannot be proven by examining other sources. Is the information in Epic of Kings verifiable? Explain.
2.	Facts are things that actually exist or have actually happened. How many statements in the excerpt do you think are facts? List no fewer than three facts.
3.	An opinion is a view or judgment that may or may not be factual. How many statements in the excerpt do you think are opinions? Write down one statement that you think is an opinion.
4.	Are there any statements that seem exaggerated or somewhat unbelievable? If so, which ones? Why would Ferdowsi want to exaggerate the truth?
5.	On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate the usefulness of Epic of Kings in learning about the rulers of Persia? Explain your rating.

History Alive! The Medieval World and Beyond, Investigating Literature