The three main groups in the pre-Islamic Middle East

After the rise of Islam, it became the dominant religion in the Middle East.

Before that there were many different religions that were practiced in the middle east. Today we are going to talk about the three biggest groups: Christianity, Zoroastrianism, and local Polytheism.

The Arabians

Polytheism (Also Jews and Christians)

Not one system of belief but many different religions with different gods.

More than 360+ gods

Hubal & Athar

Worship through veneration (respect) of idols (statues)

Nomadic - moving around, not living in one place

The Persians (Sassanids)

Zoroastrianism

Monotheist

Believed that the world was in a spiritual war between good/light (Asha) and evil/darkness (druj).

Worship God through veneration of holy/clean elements like water, fire.

Hated the greeks

The Romans (Eastern Roman Empire)

Culturally Greek, spoke Greek etc.

Politically they were Romans

Eastern Orthodox Christianity

Use fluffy bread in church.

Priests wear black robes/beards