Key individuals associated with Zoroastrianism
Founders, prophets, and some important people throughout its history
Zoroaster (Greek)/ Zarathustra (Persian meaning “Having Golden Camels”)
=> Known as the Persian prophet who created Zoroastrianism
Traditionally he is said to live between early 600s and the mid-500s BC but recent research now suggest that he lived between 1700-1400 BC in north-eastern Persia. He was originally a priest with a wife, three sons, and three daughters. During his childhood, he was known as always curious, intelligent, energetic, and a lover of the outdoors.
When he was 30, he saw his first vision of the spirit called Vohu Manah (represented Good MInd). In his vision, Zoroaster was led by Vohu Manah into the presence of the supreme creator, Ahura Mazda (aka Ohrmazd). Zoroaster later had several other revelations and composed and taught sacred teachings and hymns from then on.
After twelve years, Zoroaster left his hometown to find somewhere else more open to his ideas. His teachings of Ahura Mazda were generally shunned by his community because it twisted the people’s traditional teachings.
According to the Avesta, Zarathustra was assassinated when he was 77.
=> Known as the Persian prophet who created Zoroastrianism
Traditionally he is said to live between early 600s and the mid-500s BC but recent research now suggest that he lived between 1700-1400 BC in north-eastern Persia. He was originally a priest with a wife, three sons, and three daughters. During his childhood, he was known as always curious, intelligent, energetic, and a lover of the outdoors.
When he was 30, he saw his first vision of the spirit called Vohu Manah (represented Good MInd). In his vision, Zoroaster was led by Vohu Manah into the presence of the supreme creator, Ahura Mazda (aka Ohrmazd). Zoroaster later had several other revelations and composed and taught sacred teachings and hymns from then on.
After twelve years, Zoroaster left his hometown to find somewhere else more open to his ideas. His teachings of Ahura Mazda were generally shunned by his community because it twisted the people’s traditional teachings.
According to the Avesta, Zarathustra was assassinated when he was 77.
King Vishtaspa and Queen Hutosa
=> Known to have converted into Zoroastrianism by Zoroaster when he eventually went to Bactria. Their conversion helped strengthen the new religion.
He ruled during the Achaemenid Era.
Cyrus the Great
=> Known for finding the first Persian Empire, the Achaemenid. Although he was relatively a liberal, he ruled based on Zoroastrian beliefs.
He was also known for permitting Jews to return to Jerusalem from their exile in Babylon. He appointed the Bible character, Ezra to help the Jews rebuild their temple. His act of kindness not only made him a savior to Jews, but his Zoroastrian beliefs also hugely impacted the Jews in Judaism.
=> Known for finding the first Persian Empire, the Achaemenid. Although he was relatively a liberal, he ruled based on Zoroastrian beliefs.
He was also known for permitting Jews to return to Jerusalem from their exile in Babylon. He appointed the Bible character, Ezra to help the Jews rebuild their temple. His act of kindness not only made him a savior to Jews, but his Zoroastrian beliefs also hugely impacted the Jews in Judaism.
Darius the Great
=> Known for contributing to most of the of the Achaemenid empire expansion, being pious, and showing religious tolerance to other faiths in his empire.
His belief in Zoroastrianism made him a very righteous, peace-living man and his actions that benefited the empire influenced many citizens under the Persian empire to support him and also convert to Zoroastrianism.
Darius the Great
=> Known for contributing to most of the of the Achaemenid empire expansion, being pious, and showing religious tolerance to other faiths in his empire.
His belief in Zoroastrianism made him a very righteous, peace-living man and his actions that benefited the empire influenced many citizens under the Persian empire to support him and also convert to Zoroastrianism.