1. Zoroastrianism Earliest Persian religion resembled that of the Aryans
Zoroastrianism, emerged from teachings of Zarathustra
The Avesta is the major text of Zoroastrianism
Combining poems(Gathas) and scriptures of practices/ceremonies(Yasna)
Zoroastrian teachings, transmitted orally, many perished
Preserved later in writing, by magi

2. Zarathustra [Zoroaster], 6c BCE: Good Thoughts, Good Deed, Good Words
“Tree of Life”

3. Zoroastrianism Zoroastrian teachings
Ahura Mazda as a supreme deity, with six helping angelic forces
Cosmic conflict between Ahura Mazda and Angra Mainyu (Ahriman, Shaitan)
Represents the eternal conflict between good and evil
Heavenly paradise and hellish realm as reward and punishment
Moral formula: good words, good thoughts, good deeds

4. Dualistic Battle of Good vs. Evil
Ahura Mazda “Holy Spirit”
Ahriman “Destructive Spirit”

5. Zoroastrianism
Faravahar, or Guardian Spirit: The depiction of the human soul before birth and after death.

6. Zoroastrianism Popularity of Zoroastrianism
Attracted Persian aristocrats and ruling elites
Darius regarded Ahura Mazda as supreme God
The faith was most popular in Iran
Sizable followings in Mesopotamia, Anatolia, Egypt, and other regions

7. Extent of Zoroastrianism

8. Zoroastrianism
Zoroastrian community suffered during Alexander's invasion
Zoroastrianism was the official religion during Sasanid Persian rule
Other faiths: Buddhism, Christianity, and Manichaeism
Influence of Zoroastrians
Influence on Jewish religion: belief in future reward and punishment
Influence on Christianity: concepts of heaven and hell
Later influenced Islam; one of Muhammad’s protected faiths

9. Zend-Avesta (The “Book of Law”)
The “Sacred Fire”  the force to fight evil.