Zoroastrianism was one of the most influential intellectual spiritual traditions that ever existed. It comes to be institutionalized as what today we might call Zoroastrianism in the 3rd, 4th and 5th centuries AD under a new Persian Empire. The Sassanian kings are clearly drawing on traditions that were very, very current in the earliest Persian Empire, the Echaemenid Empire.
Historian Tom Holland joined Tyler to discuss in what ways his Christianity is influenced by Lord Byron, how the Book of Revelation precipitated a revolutionary tradition, which book of the Bible is most foundational for Western liberalism, the political differences between Paul and Jesus, why America is more pro-technology than Europe, why Herodotus is his favorite writer, why the Greeks and Persians didn’t industrialize despite having advanced technology, how he feels about devolution in the United Kingdom and the potential of Irish unification, what existential problem the Church of England faces, how the music of Ennio Morricone helps him write for a popular audience, why Jurassic Park is his favorite movie, and more.
Read a full transcript enhanced with helpful links, or watch the full video.
Recorded February 1st, 2023
Other ways to connect
Photo credit: Sadie Holland