ASUTA
The Journal for the Study and Research into the
Mandaean Culture, Religion, and Language.

        Volume 4                                     Special Issue                                           Online edition

The Pre-Christian Nasoraeans
The Mandaeans

       RESEARCH DONE BY AJAE                                                              COPYRIGHT 2000

Kaftir Inscription

The Kaftir inscription, located at Naqsh-I-Rustam, mentions the different religious sects that faced persecution during the early years of the Sassanian dynasty of Shapur (241 to 272 A.D). The inscription is written in the Pahlavi writing using Parsik characters.

“...and Jews (YHWD-y) and Buddhist monks (SMN-y?) …and Brahmins (BRMN-y)….and Nazarenes (N'C=SL=R'-y) and Christians (KL=RSTYDAN)…and MKTKY-y …and Zandik (ZNDYK-y) within the empire were driven out." (16)

As you can see the word  “Nazarenes” is separate from the word “Christians”, thus indicating two separate groups.  The Mandaeans were already in the area of the Sassanians and fit the word Nazarenes as one of the self-designations used by them.

Next
Mani

Outline
Introduction
The Nasurai of the Mandaeans
Kaftir Inscription
Mani
Nasoraeans
Sabians- Elchasaites
Naassenes
Conclusion
References