1 Clement 25

1Let us consider the remarkable sign that takes place in the eastern regions, that is, in the areas around Arabia.

2For there is a bird that is called the phoenix. This creature, being the only one of its kind, lives for five hundred years; and when it has now come near to the time of its death, it makes for itself a nest from frankincense and myrrh and the other spices. When the time has been fulfilled, it enters into it and dies.

3But as its flesh decays, a certain worm is produced, which, being nourished from the moisture of the dead creature, grows wings. Then, when it has become strong, it lifts up that nest in which are the bones of the one that came before, and carrying them it travels from the land of Arabia as far as Egypt, to the city called Heliopolis.

4And by day, in the sight of all, it flies to the altar of the sun, places them there, and so starts back.

5So then the priests inspect the records of the times, and they find that it came when the five-hundredth year was completed.