Era
Iron Age
Start date
1000 BCE
End Date
Present
Religion
Zoroastrianism
Date Notes
Although greatly diminished after the Muslim conquest of Persia, it is still practiced today, particularly in India (by the Parsi community) and Iran.
Main Teachings
Cosmic struggle between good (Ahura Mazda) and evil (Angra Mainyu), ethical dualism, free will
Metaphysical Beliefs
Dualism
Ethical and Moral Principles
Good thoughts, words, and deeds
Ritual and Devotional Practices
Fire rituals, Prayer
Spiritual Practices
Charity, Self-purification
Foundational Teachings and Scriptures
Avesta, Gathas
Narrative Traditions
Zoroastrian legends and myths
Sub Type
Ethnic
Historical and Cultural Context
Ancient Religions
Historical Development
Primal or Indigenous Religion
Geographical Distribution
Eastern Religions, Western Religions
Organizational Structure
Institutional Religions
Scriptural Authority
Revealed Religion
Sociological Approach
Ethnic Religion
Philosophical or Ideological Focus
Esoteric Religion
Gods or Deities
Ahura Mazda
Beliefs on the Afterlife and End Times
Judgment and afterlife in Heaven or Hell
Existance of Afterlife
Yes
Existance of Reincarnation
No
Religious Structures
Fire temples, Towers of Silence
Religious Leader Types or Roles
Mobeds (Priests), Herbeds (Warrior priests)