Концепции за хигиена и здраве в Древна Персия
The Concepts of Hygiene and Health in Ancient Persia

Summary/Abstract: This article examines the concepts of hygiene and health in ancient Persia, as an inseparable part of the religious beliefs and culture of the Zoroastrians – the Ahura Mazda fire-worshippers. Key healthy guidelines, followed by the ancient Persians and health strategies, formulated within the sacred texts have been presented. This is done on the bases of Avesta, the book of the Mazdeans and of the work of scholars who lived and worked with the Zoroastrian heritage. Religious rites for purification and practical disease prevention and hygiene maintenance methods are intertwined to build the medical practices of Zoroastrian society, thus providing an exceptional public healthcare. The concepts of health and disease in ancient Persia are not exclusively characterized by the supernatural genesis theory, so typical for the early ancient communities – they also recognize natural and human factors as active agents defining those concepts. Avestan texts include detailed guidelines for the ancient Persian, aiming at preventing the risk of infectious and other diseases, while focusing on keeping the sacred elements pure and undefiled. One of the earliest four elements theory is namely Zaratustra`s – of course, fire plays the major role, but air, earth and water are also essential. All four fundamental elements define and provide human`s life, which explains their substantial place in Zoroastrian beliefs. The main hygiene and prevention guidelines are described, focusing on the two main themes in Zend Avesta – death and new life.

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