Part 6/11:
The Magi, or priestly class, emerged during this time, and later periods, such as the Sasanian dynasty (224-651 AD), firmly instituted Zoroastrian practices, including the prominence of fire worship, an essential aspect of Zoroastrian identity. Fire symbolized purity and the divine presence of Ahura Mazda and became central to Zoroastrian rituals.
During the Sasanian period, Zoroastrianism evolved further in response to other religions. A notable effort was made to canonize and standardize the scripture, which led to the creation of a clearer orthodoxy while attempting to suppress heretical interpretations.