Zarathustra, the ancient Persian mystic, founded Zoroastrianism, which is considered one of the world's oldest continuously practiced monotheistic religions.

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Zarathustra, the ancient Persian mystic, founded Zoroastrianism, which is considered one of the world's oldest continuously practiced monotheistic religions. He introduced the revolutionary mystical concept of a cosmic, dualistic battle between the absolute forces of good, represented by Ahura Mazda, and absolute evil, represented by Angra Mainyu. His teachings deeply influenced the development of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, especially the concepts of heaven, hell, and a final judgment day. Despite shaping the entire foundation of modern western theology, poor Zarathustra is mostly known today just because Friedrich Nietzsche borrowed his name for a dense philosophical book, and Stanley Kubrick used the accompanying theme song to make monkeys look really cool while smashing bones in outer space!