An excerpt from 30 Key Moments in the History of Christianity. The story is told of how the Armenian king Trdat (also known as Tiridates III) was physically transformed into a wild boar as a form of divine punishment for persecuting Christians. He reportedly developed claws, a snout, fangs, and bristly hair, symbolizing his descent into a beastlike state. Ancient church historian Agathangelos tells how Trdat suffered from this strange affliction until divine aid provided a cure.