Here's another collection, from the University of Chicago, an example:
Posted on 12/23/2003 10:55:46 PM PST by freedom44
The story told by local inhabitants in Iran to Marco Polo in 12th century AD, concerning the Magi, Stone, Fire & "Christian' Fire-worshippers, I think is an impression & closer to folklore & myth than "perfectly true".
The Magi (Moghaan in Persian) were a priestly caste (a mixture of Medes, Medians i.e. current Kurds, and Persians), who adopted Zoroaster's teachings, once it spread in the Iranian Plateau (a few centuries before Christ was born). Zoroaster is also commonly known as Pir_e Moghaan (the wise elder of the Magi). However, a Zoroastrian priest is called "Mobed".
Fire has been a significant symbol of light (and divinity) in Iran from pre-Zoroastrian times. Fire temples & sacred fire also have a very long history in Iran (at least 2000 yrs pre-Christ).
The Magi, similar to Zoroaster himself, were ancient astronomers (& astrologers) & were quite knowledgeable about many subjects.
Interestingly, for main Zoroastrian-Iranian festivals (Norooz & Mehrgaan), one finds Gold coins, Frankincense or Espand (Esfand), and sometimes Myrrh, on the traditional sofreh (spread). Frankincense, Myrrh, or Espand are more common in the Zoroastrian household than Iranians of other faiths.
Gold is for good fortune & prosperity. Myrrh has healing qualities. Frankincense or Espand (wild rue) were/are used for different purposes, including to kill bacteria, for inhalation therapy, and so on .. Some believe Espand drives away "evil eye" or "negative energy".
Actually, herbs, fruits & plants have a very long history in Iran too. That's another reason why I think the 3 wise men were indeed from Iran (Persia) -- History of Medicine in Ancient Persia
The dome shape architecture, carvings, patterns and stained glass in the photos are pre-Islamic influences, dating back mostly to the Sassanid era.
Pleasure, glad you enjoyed them. I think every single frame tells a story. Btw, would love to own a horse exactly like the one in the 1st pic. :-) - love horses.
ping to #42 photo link
Here's another collection, from the University of Chicago, an example:
The prophet Daniel was living in Babylon during the Hebrew captivity. Daniel was an interpreter of dreams and was highly respected by the king. As you know, the Babylonian Empire was later absorbed by the Medo-Persian Empire, so the Persians may have learned about Daniel and some of the Jewish prophecies. It is not far fetched that the learned men of the Persian Empire would have kept that knowledge and looked for the signs of the Hebrew Messiah.
Wow! Thanks for that link. I had no idea the Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago sponsored an archaeological expedition to Persepolis in the 1930s. Very interesting photos.
...thought you might like it.
I think your comment is Very plausible.
Some thoughts:
Although, the prediction (calculation) of accurate timing for, detection or even observation of *the Star of Bethlehem* (iow, planetary alignment) would have required in-depth knowledge, interpretation & practice of astronomy & astrology (as one poster in this thread puts it too, they were one discipline in those times - No NASA or Galileo).
That must have been quite a task & achievement. Astronomy/astrology of the time were not learned from Babylonians - rather cultivated by Medo-Persians in Babylonia, among other sciences.
For example, if one looks at "NoRooz" (Iranian New Year, which is a Solar-based calendar, in turn, based on "Fasli" or "seasonal" Zoroastrian calendar), the calculations were incredibly precise, even by today's standards.
NoRooz is not simply faith-based, or based on a pre-determined time e.g. midnight on a certain day/date. It is calculated down to the second, and varies from year to year (i.e. the exact time the Sun crosses the Earth's equator in the Northern Hemisphere).
Today's Solar (national, official) Calendar in Iran is a based on work done in ancient, pre-Islamic Iran (mainly, a reformation of "Fasli" i.e. Seasonal calendar). -- Zoroastrian-Iranian non-religious Calendar
In relation to the 3 gifts from the Magi. Given their qualities/properties, symbolism and real-life application (#41), I believe they were presented to the infant Jesus Christ, primarily, as earthly protection.
The ancients were far more accomplished than we know.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.