Ahriman is the evil spirit in Early Iranian Religion, Zoroastrianism, and Zorvanism, Lord of Darkness and Chaos, and the source of human confusion, disappointment, and strife. He is also known as Angra Mainyu (evil spirit or dark spirit) and exists in opposition to Spenta Mainyu (good spirit or bright spirit) also known as Ahura Mazda and Ormuzd.
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Definition
Timeline
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c. 3000 BCE - c. 800 BCEPossible development of the concept of Ahriman in Early Iranian Religion.
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c. 1500 BCE - 1000 BCEDevelopment of Ahriman in religion of Zoroastrianism.
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c. 550 BCE - 330 BCEAhriman further developed during the Achaemenid Empire.
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c. 550 BCE - c. 330 BCEZorvanism develops at some point during the latter part of the Achaemenid Empire; Ahriman now seen as twin brother of Supreme God Ahura Mazda.
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224 CE - 651 CEZoroastrian texts containing tales of Ahriman written down during the Sassanian Empire, preserving his character and legacy to later religions.
