WHO WAS ZOROASTER ?

Although some scholars date him back much further in history, it is traditionally estimated that Zoroaster (or Zarathustra) lived 2.600 years ago. His writings, the Gathas, are in a very ancient form of the Persian language, close to sanskrit.

Tradition says Zoroaster was born laughing and that he has always resisted any evil. The mean spirit tried unsuccessfully to seduce him. He brought the double revelation of monotheism and of the eternal blissful life. 

Zoroaster opposed slavery. He preached the value of everyone's liberty and improvement. He made clear that no sacrifice, even of animals, is a way toward elevation. This opposition to any sacrifice put him at odds with the religious establishment of his time. After being forced into exile, Zoroaster benefited from the protection of the powerful king Hystapes who helped him spread the new religion.