Christian Cyclopedia

Grecized name of Zarathustra, founder of Zoroastrianism* and alleged author of Zend-Avesta.* Exact time and place of birth and place of activity unknown; but it seems assured that he lived a considerable time before the 6th c. BC in Iran. Details of his life also shrouded in obscurity, but tradition tells the following: B. 660 BC. At age 30 he received revelations from Ahura Mazdah regarding new monotheism which he was to preach in opposition to contemporary polytheism. For 11 yrs. he went from court to court in Iran without success, until he converted King Vishtaspa 618 BC, through whose influence the new religion spread widely. Was slain at age of 77 in a religious war.