Chapter 1: A brief account of the life of Hiram before he came to Babylon. His studies and service at the court of the emperor.

Hiram was born in Rome and had a Greek education, as had many Romans of affluent families. He could speak and write Latin, Greek (both Classical and koine), Aramaic, and some Hebrew. As a scholar, he was valuable as a translator and historian. In that capacity he accompanied the Roman emperor Septimus Severus when he campaigned in the east. The emperor and his entourage entered the ancient city of Babylon. Hiram decided to stay.