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Zoroaster
(508 words)

[German version]

(Ζωροάστρης/ Zōroástēs, Avestan Zara θ uštra, Middle Persian Zardu(x)št, New Persian Zartošt or Zardošt). First mentioned by Xanthus [5] the Lydian, later the most widespread (and also astrologically inspired) Greek form of the Old Iranian male name Zaraθuštra, which is of unclear etymology. Only the latter part, °uštra- ('camel'), can be clearly determined. Zaraθuštra's (extended) family is supposed to have borne the epithet spitāma-, its precise significance is also unknown.

When Zaraθuštra lived and where he worked are notoriously disputed (if in…

Cite this page
Stausberg, Michael, “Zoroaster”, in: Brill’s New Pauly, Antiquity volumes edited by: Hubert Cancik and , Helmuth Schneider, English Edition by: Christine F. Salazar, Classical Tradition volumes edited by: Manfred Landfester, English Edition by: Francis G. Gentry. Consulted online on 04 June 2023 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/1574-9347_bnp_e12218030>
First published online: 2006
First print edition: 9789004122598, 20110510



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