Religious & Aesthetic Tradition
Zoroastrianism is one of the world's oldest monotheistic religions, founded by the prophet Zoroaster (or Zarathustra) in ancient Persia, likely around the 6th or 7th century BCE. Rooted in the teachings encapsulated in its central scripture, the Avesta, the faith introduced revolutionary spiritual concepts like the dualistic struggle between the benevolent god Ahura Mazda and the malevolent spirit Angra Mainyu, the notions of heaven, hell, and a final judgment, as well as ethical principles governing human conduct. It became the state religion of various Persian empires, including the Achaemenids, Parthians, and Sassanians, and exerted significant influence on the development of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Although its following has dwindled significantly over the centuries, especially after the Muslim conquest of Persia in the 7th century CE, Zoroastrianism still persists today, mainly in parts of Iran and India, where followers are known as Parsis.