Iranian and Gnostic Roots of Manichaean Apocalyptic Beliefs

Analysis of the roots of Manichaean Beliefs, one of obscure and archaic religion, is the one of most important topics that has always been studied by scholars of religion. In fact, on the one hand, Major Part of the ambiguity in the nature and origin of aspects of the Manichaean religion was due to the lack of Primary documents and Resources of this religion that with the discovery of numerous Primary Resources of Manichaean texts from different parts of the world opened new fenestra on ambiguous aspects of this religion and revealed unique aspect of human thought. on the other hand, the ambiguity and complexity of Manichaean myths due to the combined nature of this religion prevented the understand of the nature and roots of this religion. One of the most ambiguous aspects of this cult was the roots of the eschatological beliefs which in this subject much research had been done but its ambiguous dimensions were still unknown. This research with an analytical and descriptive approach based on Primary Resources concludes that the eschatological beliefs of the Manichaean religion are influenced and formed by the ideas of Iranian, gnostic beliefs. In fact, Mani's intellectual themes in constructing the eschatological beliefs of his religion have been inspired by his intellectual growing among the Gnostic and Iranian Cults.