Vesta Sarkosh Curtis

Vesta Sarkosh Curtis, an expert in ancient Persian religion and history, shares her insights on the profound influence of Persian beliefs on world religions. She discusses Zoroastrianism's role as the first monotheistic faith, its impact on Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, and the fascinating evolution of Mithraism into Roman culture. Curtis also explores the struggle between good and evil in Manichaeism and the divine feminine embodied by the goddess Anahita, revealing the enmeshed legacy of Persian religion throughout history.

Vesta Sarkosh Curtis, an esteemed author and curator at the British Institute of Persian Studies, delves into the genius of Ferdowsi and his monumental work, the Shahnameh. She discusses how this epic poem revived Persian identity after the upheaval of the Arab conquest. The conversation reveals the deep cultural resonance of the Shahnameh, intertwining myth and history, while exploring tragic tales like that of Rostam and Sohrab. Vesta highlights Ferdowsi's role in preserving the Persian language and his poignant legacy that continues to shape cultural pride.