Avestan (pronounced /əˈvɛstən/ [1]) is an Eastern Iranian The Eastern Iranian languages are a subgroup of the Iranian languages emerging in Middle Iranian times . The Avestan language is often classified as early Eastern Iranian, but this is uncertain language known only from its use as the language of Zoroastrian Zoroastrianism is a religion and philosophy based on the teachings of prophet Zoroaster founded in the early part of the 5th century BCE. The term Zoroastrianism is, in general usage, essentially synonymous with Mazdaism, i.e. the worship of Ahura Mazda, exalted by Zoroaster as the supreme divine authority scripture, i.e. the Avesta The Avesta is the primary collection of sacred texts of Zoroastrianism, composed in the Avestan language, from which it derives its name. The language must also at some time have been a natural language, but how long ago that was is unknown. Its status as a sacred language ensured its continuing use for new compositions long after the language had ceased to be a living language.
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