Zoroastrianism is one of the world's oldest continuously practiced religions, founded by the prophet Zoroaster (Zarathustra). It was the official religion of the Persian Achaemenid, Parthian, and Sassanid Empires. Central to the faith is a dualistic cosmology: the struggle between the supreme creator Ahura Mazda (the Wise Lord) and the spirit of evil, Angra Mainyu. It introduced key concepts that would influence Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, including the idea of heaven and hell, a final judgment, and a messianic figure. Fire and water are seen as symbols of purity, and 'Fire Temples' were built where an eternal flame was kept burning. Zoroastrians also practiced 'excarnation' at Towers of Silence, where the dead were exposed to the elements to avoid polluting the earth or fire. It was a faith that emphasized ethical living through the motto: 'Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds.'