The Sassanid Empire: Zoroastrianism as State Religion

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore how the Sasanian Empire forged a powerful state religion out of Zoroastrianism. They trace the rise of Ardashir I, who overthrew the Parthians and established a dynasty that would last four centuries. They discuss the role of the high priest Kartir in codifying orthodoxy and persecuting heresies like Manichaeism, the symbolic importance of fire temples like Adur Gushnasp, and how the Sasanian kings used the concept of Eranshahr—the empire of the Iranians—to unify diverse peoples. The conversation also covers the Avesta, the Zoroastrian sacred texts, and the dualistic cosmology of Ahura Mazda versus Angra Mainyu. Lucas explains how the Sasanian state blended religious and political authority, and how this model influenced later empires. Luna asks sharp questions about the Magi, the Sasanian class system, and the empire's legacy in both the Islamic world and modern Iran. A deep dive into one of antiquity's most fascinating theocracies. #SasanianEmpire #Zoroastrianism #ArdashirI #Kartir #AhuraMazda #AngraMainyu #Manichaeism #Magi #Eranshahr #AdurGushnasp #Avesta #Naqsh-eRostam #Ctesiphon #ShapurI #AncientReligion #History #FexingoHistory #StateReligion Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo