The role of the Magi in scientific exchange with Greek and Babylonian civilizations in the fields of philosophy, astronomy, and medicine

Abstract

Ancient Iran is of great importance and efficiency in terms of the possibility of re-understanding and reconstructing the relationship between science and religion as one of the most challenging issues of the modern era. The reason for this importance was the presence of a group of clerics called Magians in ancient Iran, especially in the Median and Achaemenid periods, who, due to historical and social contexts, simultaneously held a religious and scientific monopoly, and their narratives of phenomena had the possibility of superiority over others. From the very beginning, due to their high social status and position as religious representatives, they were able to create a suitable position for themselves in the social sphere and simultaneously gain a monopoly on some spiritual and worldly phenomena. One of these phenomena was the field of science, which, due to its extraterrestrial nature in ancient times, was naturally monopolized by the Magi. Therefore, the present study, using a "qualitative method and documentary studies," seeks to answer the question, "What position did the Magi have in the scientific structure of ancient Iran (Median and Achaemenid)?" The research findings show that the Magi, as one of the influential groups in ancient Iran, were able to simultaneously monopolize religion and science and were influenced and influenced in scientific interaction with other nations.