Digital Maps of the Ancient World

Religion

Embark on a profound journey into the religious beliefs and practices of ancient Persia with our meticulously curated reading list, offering a rich tapestry of scholarship and insight into this fascinating aspect of ancient civilization.

(c) Napishtim

Delve into foundational texts such as the Avesta, the sacred scripture of Zoroastrianism, which provides invaluable glimpses into the cosmology, ethical teachings, and rituals of one of the world’s oldest monotheistic religions. Explore the groundbreaking research of scholars like de Jong, Fried, and Henkelman, whose works illuminate the multifaceted nature of Persian religious traditions and their enduring influence on the cultural landscape of the ancient world. From the enigmatic figure of Zarathustra to the intricate rituals of fire worship and the intricate interplay of mythology, theology, and spirituality, our reading list offers a comprehensive overview of Persian religious thought and practice. Whether you’re a seasoned academic or a curious explorer of ancient mysteries, our curated selection of texts invites you to deepen your understanding of the rich religious heritage of ancient Persia and its enduring legacy in the modern world.

General

  • Briant, P., From Cyrus to Alexander: a history of the Persian Empire, Winona Lake IN, 2002, Ch 6.
  • Waters, M.W., Ancient Persia: a concise history of the Achaemenid Empire, 550-330 BCE, New York, 2014, 147-156.
  • Wiesehofer, J. & Azodi, A., Ancient Persia: from 550 BC to 650 AD, London, 2001, 94-101.

Further Reading

  • Bedford, P., ‘Early Achaemenid Monarchs and indigenous cults: towards a definition of imperial policy’ in Religion in the ancient world: new themes and approaches, Amsterdam, 1996, 17-40.
  • de Jong, A., ‘Religion at the Achaemenid court’ in The Achaemenid court, Wiesbaden, 2010, 553-558.
  • Fried, L.S., The priest and the great king: temple-palace relations in the Persian Empire, Winona Lake IN, 2004.
  • Henkelman, W., Achaemenid history: studies in Elamite-Iranian acculturation based on the Persepolis fortification texts, 14: The other gods who are, Leiden, 2008, 181-454.
  • Kuhrt, A., ‘The problem of Achaemenid religious policy’ in Die Welt der Götterbilder, Berlin, 2007, 117-142.
  • Kuhrt, A. & Sherwin-White, S., ‘Xerxes’ destruction of Babylonian temples’ in Achaemenid history: 2: The Greek sources : proceedings of the Groningen 1984 Achaemenid History Workshop, Leiden, 1987, 69-78.
  • Malandra, W. & Stausberg, M., ‘Iran’ in Religions of the ancient world: a guide, Cambridge MA, 2004, 197-206.
  • Root, M.C., The king and kingship in Achaemenid art: essays on the creation of an iconography of empire, Leiden, 1979, Ch 4.