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KEY INDIVIDUALS IN ZOROASTRIANISM

Zoroaster, or Zarathustra, was a Prophet of Ahura Mazda and the founder of Zoroastrianism. He was born around 1200 - 1500 BCE in either Northeast Iran or Southwest Afghanistan. Zoroaster was born during the Bronze Age and grew up in a culture with a polytheistic religion and an oppressive social hierarchy. However, he rejected the religion, disapproving of the worship of multiple gods and the use of hallucination-inducing plants during rituals. Zoroaster worked as a priest and had a family of three daughters and three sons. 
 
When he was 30 years old, he received seven revelations from Ahura Mazda and the Amesha Spentas through visions. Thus, he became a Prophet of God (Ahura Mazda). His main teaching was to only worship the one Supreme God, Ahura Mazda, and do good deeds to help bring about the salvation of the world, where there would be immortality and eternal bliss. He was murdered at the age of 77 during prayer.

Zoroaster

Ardashir I was the founder of the Sassinian Empire. He was born in the late 2nd Century CE in ancient Iran. His father was a vassal king of the Parthians, who ruled ancient Iran. He struggled against the Parthian heir for the throne, and won. He quickly gained control over territories of the Parthian Empire and other lands. Ardashir then revolted against Artabanus, the Parthian king, and killed him. He was crowned king of kings in Iran. Soon after, Ardashir I established the Sassinian Empire. 
 
Zoroastrianism still existed under Parthian rule, however it was declining. Ardashir I made Zoroastrianism the official religion of his empire, and it was heavily incorporated into the structure of the Sassininan Empire. A ritual hierarchy was formed, with chief priests and a supreme priest. He aggressively promoted and regulated Zoroastrianism. The Avesta, the sacred texts of Zoroastrianism, is compiled and written down. Many rituals and traditions were created during his time.

Ardashir I

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