Mazdaks

Mazdaks, also known as Mazdak or Mazdakism, was a religious and social movement that emerged in the late 5th century in the Sasanian Empire, which encompassed much of modern-day Iran. The movement was led by a man named Mazdak, who claimed to be the reincarnation of the prophet Zoroaster. Mazdaks taught that the Sasanian king was not the rightful ruler and that the true ruler should be a spiritual leader who would establish a just and equitable society. The movement advocated for the redistribution of wealth, the abolition of slavery, and the promotion of social equality. Mazdaks also rejected the traditional Zoroastrian priesthood and the concept of the divine kingship of the Sasanian monarchs. The movement gained significant support among the lower classes and peasants, but it was ultimately suppressed by the Sasanian government in the early 6th century. The persecution of Mazdaks led to the decline of Zoroastrianism and the rise of Islam in the region.