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Zoroastrianism is the religion and philosophy based on the teachings ascribed to the prophet Zoroaster. Zoroaster identified Ahura Mazda as the one uncreated creator. Ahura Mazda is the source of all good and he created the heavens and the earth. It was said that Ahura Mazda created the physical world in seven stages; sky, water, earth, vegetation, animals, mankind, and fire. Zoroaster taught, that you, must always choose good over evil and truth over falsehood. Zoroaster taught that there was a constant battle between good and evil for control of the universe. Zoroaster's teachings were the first to develop a system of doctrines governing the afterlife. He taught that each soul was judged after death and the good people went to heaven and the bad people went to hell. Zoroastrianism taught that three saviors would come and perfect the world and save humanity from evil.
The influence Zoroastrianism has had on other religions is very apparent. Judaism developed teachings on Satan (evil one), heaven and hell, judgment after death, and of a savior to come. The seven spirits of God mention in Revelations seems to parallel the Zoroastrian teachings of the Holy Immortals. Even Islam has can trace roots back to Zoroastrianism; Islam teaches about rewards for the righteous and torments for the wicked. Zoroastrianism was the for-father for the three biggest religions in the world, its imprint is unmistakable.
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Minoan civilization developed on the island of Crete. Around 2700 B.C. Crete entered the Bronze Age and started to have an important role in the surrounding areas. Minoans were mercantile people engaged in over seas trade. It is believed that Minoans traded a lot of tin, which was vital to the making of bronze. They also traded ceramics, copper, and tin and luxury finds of gold and silver. Minoan religion was based around female deities and many archeologists believe that men and women were equal.
The Mycenaean civilization flourished between 1600 B.C. to1100 B.C. During the Mycenaean period the Greek mainland saw an era of prosperity centered in such strongholds as Mycenae, Tiryns, Thebes, and Athens. Local shops made jewelry, vases, and pottery. Mycenaean good were traded heavily and have been found all over the Mediterranean and even as far away as Spain. The Mycenaean's were fierce warriors and great engineers who designed bridges, fortification walls, and beehive-shaped tombs. Archeological evidence tells us that the king had absolute power over a very well organized government. Around 1100 B.C. invaders known as the Dorian's took over all of mainland Greece and started the Dark Age of Ancient Greece.
