Mazdak (or Mazdek)

Mazdak (Or Mazdek)

a Persian religious enthusiast, flourished towards the close of the 5th century (he is believed to have been born about A.D. 470). He professed to be a prophet, and, securing many followers, declared for a community of property. Gaining in strength among the people, he found favor finally also in the eyes of his ruler, king Kobhad, and the system of communism was adopted, effecting great changes in the social order. The revolution, however, lasted only a short time, and gradually the old order of things was restored.