Module #1 Introduction to the Persian Empire Overview of the Persian Empire, its history, and significance
Module #2 Zoroastrianism:The State Religion Origins, core beliefs, and practices of Zoroastrianism, the official religion of the Persian Empire
Module #3 Ahura Mazda and the Divine Hierarchy Exploration of the Zoroastrian pantheon, with a focus on Ahura Mazda and the Amesha Spentas
Module #4 The Role of Magi in Persian Society The significance of the Magi, a priestly class, in Persian religion and politics
Module #5 Royal Ideology and Divine Right How the Persian monarchy legitimized its power through divine right and Zoroastrian ideology
Module #6 Religious Toleration in the Persian Empire The policies of religious tolerance and accommodation in the Persian Empire, including the treatment of Jews, Babylonians, and Egyptians
Module #7 Judaism in the Persian Period The impact of the Persian Empire on Jewish religion, literature, and culture
Module #8 The Cyrus Cylinder and Imperial Policy Analysis of the Cyrus Cylinder as a symbol of Persian imperial policy and religious tolerance
Module #9 Women in Persian Religion and Society The roles and status of women in Zoroastrianism and Persian society, including queens and priestesses
Module #10 Rituals and Practices in Zoroastrianism Exploration of Zoroastrian rituals, including initiation, marriage, and funeral rites
Module #11 The Avesta and Zoroastrian Scriptures Introduction to the Avesta, the sacred texts of Zoroastrianism, and their significance
Module #12 Persian Funerary Practices and the Afterlife Zoroastrian beliefs about the afterlife, including the concept of the soul and the role of funerary rituals
Module #13 The Impact of Zoroastrianism on Persian Art and Architecture How Zoroastrianism influenced Persian art, architecture, and iconography
Module #14 Religious Syncretism in the Persian Empire The blending of religious traditions and practices in the Persian Empire, including the influence of Babylonian and Egyptian religions
Module #15 The Role of Temples and Sacred Spaces The significance of temples, fire temples, and other sacred spaces in Zoroastrian worship and ritual
Module #16 Ethics and Morality in Zoroastrianism Exploration of Zoroastrian ethics, including the concepts of good and evil, and the importance of moral behavior
Module #17 The Persian Empire and the Rise of Monotheism The impact of the Persian Empire on the development of monotheistic religions, including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam
Module #18 The Legacy of Zoroastrianism in Modern Times The continued influence of Zoroastrianism on modern religions, cultures, and societies
Module #19 Zoroastrianism and Persian National Identity The role of Zoroastrianism in shaping Persian national identity and culture
Module #20 Womens Roles in Zoroastrian Rituals and Practices The participation of women in Zoroastrian rituals, including their roles as priestesses and ritual specialists
Module #21 The Significance of Fire in Zoroastrianism The symbolization of fire in Zoroastrianism, including its role in rituals, worship, and purification
Module #22 Rituals of Purification and Cleansing The importance of purification and cleansing rituals in Zoroastrianism, including the use of water, fire, and other elements
Module #23 Cosmology and the Creation Myth The Zoroastrian creation myth, including the origins of the universe, humanity, and the struggle between good and evil
Module #24 Course Wrap-Up & Conclusion Planning next steps in Religion and Society in the Persian Empire career
