Zarathustra

Fast Facts: Zarathustra

  • Known For: Earliest of the ancient philosophers
  • Alternate Names and Spellings: Zaratust, Zarathrustra, Zeraduscht, (Persian), Zoroaster (Greek), Zeretoschtro (Zend), Zaratas, Zarades, Zradašt (Armenian)
  • Born: Urmia county in Iran, sometime between 1700–600 BCE
  • Parents: Pourušaspa (a herdsman) and Dugdowa
  • Died: Balkha in Afghanistan
  • Published Works: The Gathas
  • Spouses: At least three wives
  • Children: Several daughters and at least three sons
  • Notable Quotes: “The supreme virtue is to speak truth; the second is to use the bow and arrow well.”