Mani the Prophet Between Empires

Mani, the third-century prophet from Sasanian Mesopotamia, founded one of history's most widespread religions — Manichaeism — blending Zoroastrian, Christian, and Buddhist elements. This episode traces his life from his visionary youth in the Elchasaiite community to his missions under Shapur I, his execution under Bahram I, and the astonishing spread of his church from the Roman Empire to Tang China. We explore Mani's self-conception as the 'Seal of the Prophets,' his innovative use of illustrated books (the Manichaean 'Living Gospel' and 'Treasure of Life'), and the role of the Uyghur Khaganate in making Manichaeism a state religion. Along the way, we discuss the Cologne Mani Codex, the survival of Manichaean texts in Turfan, and how Augustine of Hippo's long involvement with Manichaeism shaped his later Christian theology. This episode offers a concise, vivid portrait of a faith that for a thousand years competed with the great religions of Eurasia. #Manichaeism #Mani #SasanianEmpire #ShapurI #BahramI #CologneManiCodex #Turfan #UyghurKhaganate #AugustineOfHippo #Elchasaiites #Ctesiphon #Gundeshapur #Gnosticism #SilkRoad #HistoryOfReligion #WorldHistory #FexingoHistory #History Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo