Zoroaster
Zoroaster, an Iranian prophet and founder of Zoroastrianism, was incredibly influential in the world of religion and spiritual thought. He was born in Azerbaijan, though the actual date of his birth is heavily debated. He was traditionally thought to have been born in the 7th century B.C.E, though more recently academics have dated his birth to 1200 B.C.E. The philosophy of Zoroastrianism are derived partially from Zoroaster’s tribal religion and partially from his divine visions. Zoroastrianism is the first world religion and one of the oldest monotheistic religions in the world. He is believed to have received a vision from Ahura Mazda (meaning The Wise Lord), the Zoroastrian God, who commanded him to spread truth. Zoroastrianism is very dualistic, viewing the world as a constant struggle between good and evil.
After Alexander the Great conquered Persia, Zoroastrianism lost popularity there, but it continued to thrive in India and is still practiced in India and parts of Iran.
"Zoroaster." HyperHistory, World History Online, www.hyperhistory.com/online_n2/people_n2/persons1_n2/zoroaster.html. Accessed 19 Apr. 2017.
Konig, Franz Cardinal. "Zarathustra." Encyclopædia Britannica, 18 Nov. 2016, www.britannica.com/biography/Zarathustra. Accessed 19 Apr. 2017.
After Alexander the Great conquered Persia, Zoroastrianism lost popularity there, but it continued to thrive in India and is still practiced in India and parts of Iran.
"Zoroaster." HyperHistory, World History Online, www.hyperhistory.com/online_n2/people_n2/persons1_n2/zoroaster.html. Accessed 19 Apr. 2017.
Konig, Franz Cardinal. "Zarathustra." Encyclopædia Britannica, 18 Nov. 2016, www.britannica.com/biography/Zarathustra. Accessed 19 Apr. 2017.