Zoroastrianism Viraf Namag. All Middle Persian texts written on Zoroastrianism during this time period are considered secondary works on the religion, and not scripture. Nonetheless, these texts have a strong influence on the religion. Zoroastrianism was founded by Zoroaster (or Zarathustra), later deemed a prophet, in ancient Iran. The precise date of the founding of Zoroastrianism is uncertain. Zoroaster was born in either Northeast Iran or Southwest Afghanistan. He was born into a culture with a polytheistic religion, which included animal sacrifice and the ritual use of intoxicants, quite similar to early forms of Hinduism in India. Zoroaster's birth and early
Persian Gulf (horse) winners included the British Classic Race winners Parthia and Zabara, the leading stayer Zarathustra and the Champion Hurdler Persian War. Other good horses sired by Persian Gulf included Abadan (Cork and Orrery Stakes, Diadem Stakes), Agreement (Doncaster Cup), Arabian Night (second in the 1954 Epsom Derby), Persian Road (Ebor Handicap, sire of Dark Mirage), Queen of Sheba (Irish 1000 Guineas, Royal Hunt Cup), Rustam (Champagne Stakes) and Tamerlane (St James's Palace Stakes). He died in 1964 at the age of 24. Persian Gulf (horse) Persian Gulf (1940–1964) was a British Thoroughbred racehorse and sire, who raced during World War II.