The Sasanian Empire: Zoroastrianism as State Religion

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore how Zoroastrianism became the official state religion of the Sasanian Empire, shaping its identity, law, and politics from the third century CE. They focus on the role of the high priest Kartir, who consolidated Zoroastrian orthodoxy and persecuted other faiths, and the fire temple of Adur Gushnasp as a symbol of imperial authority. The discussion also covers the Avesta's canonization, the concept of Eranshahr (the Iranian realm), and the impact on later Islamic empires. Specific names and terms include Ardashir I, Shapur I, Kartir, Adur Gushnasp, Naqsh-e Rostam, Eranshahr, Magi, Avesta, Yasna, Ahura Mazda, Angra Mainyu, and Manichaeism. #SasanianEmpire #Zoroastrianism #Kartir #ArdashirI #ShapurI #AdurGushnasp #Eranshahr #Avesta #AhuraMazda #AngraMainyu #Manichaeism #NaqshRostam #Magi #LateAntiquity #MiddleEastHistory #StateReligion #FexingoHistory #History #MauryanEmpire #AshokaTheGreat Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo