ABSTRACT

Syriac Christianity developed in the Persian realm, moulded by its encounter with the rich and vibrant Zoroastrian cultural and religious heritage. From the early fourth century onwards, its condition as a Christian minority embedded within a non-Christian empire was politicised as part of the conflict between Persia and the newly Christianised Roman Empire. This resulted in an elaborate discourse of persecution and martyrdom. Persian Christianity nevertheless flourished in the course of Late Antiquity, evolving its own character, achieving ecclesiastical independence, and carving out its distinctive Persian Christian identity.