Zoroastrianism, the religion of the ancient Persians, is often described as the first world religion. It originated in the ideas and teachings of the Iranian prophet Zarathustra (called Zoroaster by the Greeks), who condemned the old sacrifice cults of the Persians. For over a thousand years Zoroastrianism was a very important religion and still has many adherents. Zoroastrian ideas spread far beyond Persia and influenced Buddhist, Greek, and early Christian thinkers.
Zoroastrianism had a strong influence on the religious practices of the Achaemenid kings, whose period of rule is traditionally dated from 550 to 330 BCE. Under the Sasanian kings, who ruled from 224 to 636 CE, Zoroastrianism became the official state religion of Persia. This state of affairs ended in the seventh century with the arrival of Islam. When they were persecuted by the new Muslim rulers of Iran, many Zoroastrians fled to India, where Zoroastrianism survived among the Parsee community.
Zarathustra’s Beliefs
Early Persians believed in demons and worshiped many gods. Zarathustra believed they should worship only one god, the god of light and goodness, whom he called the Wise Lord Ahura Mazda. Zarathustra believed that Ahura Mazda was locked in a cosmic struggle with Ahriman, the leader of the evil spirits. Ordinary men and women had a role to play in the spiritual battle between good and evil. By living a good life, they helped Ahura Mazda and strengthened the forces of goodness.
Zarathustra also believed that history was divided into three ages. In the first age, the world had been perfect and ruled by goodness. In the second (present) age, evil was at large. Zarathustra believed that perfect goodness would return to the world and that ordinary people could hasten this golden age by leading good lives.
Zarathustra’s teachings also included practical advice on agriculture and animal rearing. He believed that the ability to look after the earth and care for its plants and animals was one sign of a good and wise man. Many centuries after his death, Zarathustra’s ideas were written down in the holy scriptures of Zoroastrianism. These are the sacred books known as the Zend Avesta.
Zoroastrian Customs
Persian children took part in Zoroastrian ceremonies from the age of seven onward. A believer prayed and performed a complicated cleansing ritual five times each day. At especially holy times of the year, Zoroastrians drank a sacred liquid called haoma. This drink was made by straining a special herb and fermenting it until it turned into an alcolohic liquor. After drinking haoma, the Magi (high priests) chanted spells to cast out evil demons.
Fire also played a big part in Zoroastrian rituals. Fire represented the light of the sky and the power of the sun. The Persian kings and their Magi worshiped at special fire altars near their palaces at Pasargadae and Persepolis. Unlike Christians and Jews, Zoroastrians were allowed to marry their close relatives. Persian nobles even married their sisters and nieces to stop their blood from being mixed with that of commoners. Zoroastrians believed that the soul survived after death. The soul of a believer who had lived a good life entered a realm of brilliant light where Ahura Mazda reigned.
