Definition: Zoroaster rejected the old Persian gods and in their place believed that a single wise god, Ahura Mazda, ruled and created the world. Ahura Mazda fought against the prince of evil, Ahriman. This makes Zoroastrianism, the religion of Zoroaster, dualistic.
Zoroaster probably lived in northwestern Persia possibly in the 7th century B.C. and possibly as early as 1200 B.C. The beliefs of Zoroaster, the religious prophet and founder of Zoroastrianism, were written down in a book called the "Zend Avesta."
The name Zoroaster is the Persian version of the name of this religious prophet. The Greek name of Zoroaster is Zarathushtra or Zarathustra. Zoroastrianism was the main religion of the Persian Empire around 600 B.C.
Zoroastrianism is still practiced, especially in India and Iran.
See Frequently asked questions on Zoroastrianism and the Avesta
Also Known As: Zoroaster, Zarathushtra, Zarathustra
Examples: The German philosopher Nietzsche wrote Thus Spake Zarathustra which contains the statement that "God is dead."
