Origin of Fire Temples and the Achaemenid Domination in Central Asia

Abstract

This paper investigates the early development of the Zoroastrian fire temples in Central Asia. Utilizing the latest archaeological discoveries in Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, the paper argues that Central Asia witnessed the initial development of fire temples. Such development likely started before the Achaemenid period; and the Persian domination over the region may have increased the pace towards the institutionalization of fire temples. The paper delves into the construction history of the religious structure at Kyzyltepa, which is perhaps one of the earliest examples of fire temples, to reveal the process through which fire temples were established. By placing the temple in its historical and political context, the paper suggests that the Achaemenid imperial participation may have played an important role in the origin and early development of the Zoroastrian fire temples.