Ancient Civilizations And Their Locations Questions Medium
The religious beliefs and practices of the Persians were primarily centered around Zoroastrianism, which was founded by the prophet Zoroaster (also known as Zarathustra) in the 6th century BCE. Zoroastrianism became the dominant religion of the Persian Empire and had a significant influence on Persian culture and society.
According to Zoroastrianism, there is a constant battle between good and evil forces in the universe. The supreme deity, Ahura Mazda, represents the forces of good, while Angra Mainyu (also known as Ahriman) represents evil. Zoroastrians believed in the existence of other deities as well, but they were considered subordinate to Ahura Mazda.
The Persians practiced various rituals and ceremonies to honor their deities. Fire was considered sacred and played a central role in their religious practices. Fire temples were built as places of worship, and priests known as Magi tended to the sacred flames. Zoroastrians believed that fire represented purity and served as a medium to communicate with the divine.
Another important aspect of Persian religious practices was the concept of purity and cleanliness. Zoroastrians believed in maintaining physical and spiritual purity, as they believed it would help them in their journey towards righteousness. They practiced rituals such as ritual ablutions and purification ceremonies to cleanse themselves.
Zoroastrianism also emphasized the importance of ethical behavior and the concept of judgment after death. The Persians believed in the existence of an afterlife, where the souls of the deceased would face judgment based on their actions in life. Those who lived a righteous life would be rewarded in the afterlife, while those who committed evil deeds would face punishment.
Overall, the religious beliefs and practices of the Persians revolved around Zoroastrianism, which emphasized the eternal struggle between good and evil, the worship of Ahura Mazda, the significance of fire, the importance of purity, and the idea of judgment after death. These beliefs and practices played a crucial role in shaping Persian culture and society during ancient times.