The Introduction to the History of Kleopatros of Hekatompylos
Great King of Areia and all the upper satrapies, agent of Achoura Maznta and sole heir of Alexander and Xerxes, I, your servant Kleopatros, recount in this, my work of many years, the illustrious deeds of your venerable ancestors, so that, in such a time of darkness as this, when the world is filled by those who are blocked from the divine light by the myths of the descendants of Seleukos, the memory of your dynasty shall be everlasting even when all is swallowed up by Angra Mainu. Furthermore, by recounting the deeds of your ancestors, you may see clearly and concisely what those great men did, and add to your own unmatched knowledge and skill.
We shall discuss the Areian monarchs one by one and in order, and each of these kings shall be divided into his own chapter of the history. The history shall begin from the glorious hour when Straton the Victorious first revolted from the tyranny of Seleukos VI, and shall then proceed to the deeds of his brother Dionysios, and then the second Straton, who first opened his eyes to the greatness of Achoura Maznta. Then we shall discuss the deeds of his son Apollonios, and of Sostratos, of Straton and his son of the same name, of Dionysios II, and his descendants, each named Straton, of Queen Apameia, and of her young son Phoxidas, during whose reign the Stratid dynasty ended in the six-hundred-and-ninety-seventh year. Then we shall discuss the deeds of Hippomachos and his three sons, of Iason and Antipatros, and the long line of eight Philippoi. Then we shall discuss the years without a king, and the reinstatement of the king under the victorious Alexandros, and his long-lived son Straton VII, and his sons Platon and Antipatros. Then we shall reach the present era and the great Persian war with the Seleukids under brave Arkadios and his son Platon.
Thus is the plan of my work, that all the world may be clear of the greatness of the Kings of Areia and the sublime providence of Achoura Maznta.