Mazdak
Mazdak | |
|---|---|
مزدک | |
Illustration of the execution of Mazdak from a copy of the Shahnameh | |
| Died | c. 524 or 528 |
| Cause of death | Execution |
| Nationality | Iranian |
| Citizenship | Sasanian Empire |
| Occupation | Mobad |
| Years active | c. 480s - 520s |
| Known for | Mazdakism |
| Religion | Zoroastrianism |
Mazdak (Persian: مزدک, Middle Persian: 𐭬𐭦𐭣𐭪, also Mazdak the Younger; died c. 524 or 528) was an Iranian Zoroastrian mobad (priest) and religious reformer who gained influence during the reign of the Sasanian emperor Kavadh I. He claimed to be a prophet of Ahura Mazda and instituted social welfare programs.