Zoroastrianism

http://www.prestonfaithforum.org.uk/zoroastrianism/zoroastrianism.html http://www.worldology.com/Iraq/persian_empire.htm

Origins / Beliefs

Zoroastrianism is one of the world’s oldest monotheistic religions. It was founded by the Prophet Zoroaster (or Zarathustra) in ancient Iran approximately 3500 years ago.

Zoroastrians believe there is one God called Ahura Mazda (Wise Lord) and He created the world, that the elements are pure and that fire represents God’s light or wisdom. Ahura Mazda revealed the truth through the Prophet, Zoroaster.

Zoroastrians traditionally pray several times a day, and worship communally in a Fire Temple or Agiary.

The Zoroastrian book of Holy Scriptures is called The Avesta, and this can be roughly split into two main sections. The oldest and core part of the scriptures contains the Gathas, seventeen hymns thought to be composed by Zoroaster himself. The Younger Avesta is a commentary to the older Avesta, written in later years. It also contains myths, stories and details of ritual observances.


Persian Empire (539 - 330 BC)

Babylonia Becomes Part of the Massive Achaemenid Empire

Inception of Persian Empire (549 BC): Cyrus, a Persian, took over the Iranian Median Empire, revolting against his grandfather, Astyages, King of the Medes. Over the next few years, Cyrus waged battle to consolidate his rule throughout the Median Empire, establishing Persian overlordship, and ushering in the beginning of the Achaemenid Empire (Persian Empire).
Persian Empire Conquers Babylon (539 BC): Chaldean rule was unpopular among constituents in Babylonian Empire, ripening it for the Persian conquest of 539 BC. The Persians easily defeated the Babylonians in one battle to the east of Babylon, before marching into Babylon without resistance, ending the Chaldean/Babylonian Empire.
(Timeline Continued Below)

Persian Conquest of Egypt (525 BC): Persia's insatiable appetite for expansion placed Egypt in its sights after securing rule in Mesopotamia and the Levant (Israel/Judah, Syria). In 525 BC, the Persians easily defeated the Egyptians, bringing Egypt under Achaemenid rule.
Brief Babylon Independence (522-20 BC): Babylon revolted against Persian rule, briefly gaining independence before being crushed once again by the Persians, and reinstated to Achaemenid rule.
Greco-Persian Wars (500 - 448 BC): A unified Persian Empire took advantage of divisions among Greek city-states. During the early years of war, Persia conquered all of the Greek city-states in Anatolia (modern Turkey), and many throughout the East Balkans (SE Europe). This compelled the Greek city-states to unite against the Persians, enabling the Greeks to push the Persians out of Europe, and the western coast of Anatolia.
Achaemenid Capital Moved to Babylon (450 BC): Babylon was appointed new capital of Persian Empire. Aramaic was designated official language around this time as well (already most prevalent in Mesopotamia and Near East).

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Note: Treatment of Conquered Nations. The Persians were largely humanistic, and more humane in their governance of conquered peoples than they experienced under previous regimes. The Persian religion of Zoroastrianism forbade slavery, so it was generally not practiced or permitted. The Persians allowed exiles from Babylonian rule to return to their homelands (such as the Jews under Darius I), and conquered nations were allowed a generous amount of autonomy.
Note: Royal Road. Built by Darius I to enable timely communication, troop movement and commerce throughout the empire, facilitating centralized rule. A carrier on horse could travel the length of the road in 7 days.

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 Further Understanding:  Zoroastrianism - State Religion
The Persian religion became the official state religion during the 5th century BC. Although all subjects were permitted freedom of religion, all constituents throughout the entire Achaemenid Empire were required to pay a 10% temple tax to support the practice of Zoroastrianism. Zoroastrianism is based on worship of a universal, uncreated God ("Ahura Mazda"). Values are similar to those of Judeo-Christianity, except Zoroastriansim strictly and explicitly forbade slavery. Zoroastrianism, an ancient monotheistic religion like Judaism, also posits a judgment, resurrection and after-life scenario very similar to that of Christianity. However, Zoroastrians do not believe in proselytizing, which severely hampered is growth since ancient times, especially in comparison with those that have always sought to convert non-believers/members, such as Christianity and Islam.