Jamasb and a Reflection on Apocalyptic and Prophetic Literature and Thought

Due to his knowledge and prophecies in particular, Jamasb, the wise Minister of Shah Goshtasb Kiani, enjoys a special position among historians and thinkers of Iran and the world, and along with his name and ideas, his characteristics such as knowledge and wisdom are cited in Pahlavi, Persian, Arabic and western historical and literary writings of the past and present times. Numerous works are attributed to him, and many texts provide almost similar stories about him and introduce him as a wise man and a diviner. This study examines Jamasb’s ideas and his historical, religious and political position, seeking to answer the most fundamental question whether he, as many believe, possessed the ability to predict the future, or it has been merely history-making.