The Zoroastrian Cleric System in Sassanid Era

Being an important part of society in Sassanid era, the Zoroastrian cleric system has been examined in this thesis. The author tries to signify the role of cleric system in all times and societies; a role whose importance is not just limited to the Sassanid era. The first chapter, in this way, discusses the position and status of the clerics in Sassanid Casts, referring to Zoroastrian religious texts and the Classics of post-Islam era. Moreover, subdivisions of cleric system are also studied. The author notes that in such a unified and cohesive system the clerics were classified based on their level of education and knowledge, having borne social responsibilities due to their abilities; some educated others, some guarded the holy fire and fire temple, some others preached and held rituals, and others held governmental affairs in Sassanid Court. Then the function of clerics with the people, the Court, and adherents of other faiths is studied. The author concludes that the cleric system in Sassanid era was at the top of the Cast system; an influential cast which affected the political system, economy, and even the Sassanid Kings.