magupat

Zoroastrian priesthood

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July 23, 2026

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The magupat was the chief priest in the Sāsāniān period of ancient Iran, a title that developed from the earlier term magus. This position was part of a developing ecclesiastical hierarchy within Zoroastrianism, with the magupat eventually being surpassed by the mobedān mobed (priest of priests). The priesthood, which was hereditary, played a significant role in state affairs, particularly in matters of succession, and was responsible for maintaining the sacred fire, a central element of Zoroastrian worship. Priests also served as registrars and scribes, holding important documents and archives.12

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ancient Iran
Zoroastrianism
…its own mobed (“priest”; originally magupat, “chief priest”). At their head stood the mobedān mobed (“priest of priests”), who, in addition to his purely religious jurisdiction, appears, especially in later times, to have had a more or less decisive voice in the choice of a successor to the throne and…
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…its own mobed (“priest”; originally magupat, “chief priest”). At their head stood the mobedān mobed (“priest of priests”), who, in addition to his purely religious jurisdiction, appears, especially in later times, to have had a more or less decisive voice in the choice of a successor to the throne and…
Read More