Zoroastrianism

Zoroastrianism, Persian religion based on the teachings of Zoroaster (Greek form of Zarathustra), a sage who lived in the 6th century B.C. It was founded on the old Aryan folk religion but abolished its polytheism, establishing 2 predominant spirits: Ahura-Mazda (Ormazd), the spirit of light and good; and Ahriman, the spirit of evil and darkness. Zoroastrianism includes the belief in eternal reward or punishment after death according to man's deeds. Its scriptures are the Zend-Avesta. Almost wiped out in the 7th century by the Muslim conquest of Persia, Zoroastrianism survives among the Parsees (Parsis) of India.

See also: Persia, Ancient.