Researchers have found a Sasanian-era inscription in the foothills of Marvdasht, Fars, that denounces “Mehr Doruji” (breaking of promises or betrayal).
Historian Abolhassan Atabaki, reporting to Amordad, revealed the discovery of this rare inscription, which carries a moral message aligned with the teachings of the god Mithra (Mehr) and warns against the sin of breaking oaths.
According to Atabaki, in ancient Iranian beliefs, Mehr Doruji was considered one of the most serious offenses, causing discord among people and destruction of the land. Such acts of betrayal would anger the god Mithra and bring ruin upon the region. Zoroastrian doctrine also emphasizes that believers must avoid Mehr Doruji in their dealings with both fellow followers and outsiders. Even the sacred covenant between Ahura Mazda and Angra Mainyu must not be broken, as it is guarded by Mithra.
He further explained that anyone who commits Mehr Doruji or swears falsely is comparable to turning away from the Avesta and Zoroaster’s teachings. If a judge issues a false ruling or breaks a promise in a city, the natural blessings of that area—such as rain and healing—will be withheld, leading to hardship for its inhabitants.
The historian also mentioned the “Mehrisht” section of the Avesta, which describes eight deities alongside Mithra (Mehr) seated on mountaintops and towers as guardians. They observe oath-breakers and oppose those who disrupt the moral order (asha). In the vast territory of ancient Iran, with its diverse ethnic groups, social stability among kings, farmers, nomads, merchants, and artisans was upheld through the sacredness of covenants and the condemnation of betrayal.
Those accused of Mehr Doruji (betrayal) were required to undergo rigorous trials to prove their innocence, such as the water ordeal (holding breath underwater for a prescribed duration), the oath ordeal (drinking sulfurous water), and the Var ordeal (pouring molten metal or liquid on the chest and walking through fire). These stringent laws demonstrate the profound importance of oaths and agreements in ancient Iranian society.
From a linguistic perspective, the term Mehr Doruji in Middle Persian literally means “enemy of the god Mithra” or “one who deceives Mithra.” Morally, it refers to breaking bonds or betraying trusts between “human and deity,” “friends,” “co-religionists,” “colleagues,” and even “husband and wife.”
Aboulhassan Atabaki further explained that the name Mithra, or the god Mehr, first appears in the Nuzi clay tablets from the Bogazkoy region in Asia Minor, alongside the deity Varuna, in reference to a treaty between the Hittite and Mitanni kings, where these gods were called upon to uphold the pact. In ancient Iran, the name of Mehr is first documented in the inscriptions of Ardeshir found in Susa, as well as in the inscriptions of Ardeshir III at Persepolis.
He also noted that in Indian Vedic texts, the god “Mitre,” equivalent to the Iranian Mithra, is recognized as the deity of oaths and agreements. In ancient Iran, however, Mithra carried multiple responsibilities, including being the god of light and radiance, god of friendship and love, god of justice, protector of Aryan warriors, guardian of the pastures for nomadic communities, and god overseeing marriage vows.
Atabaki concluded by emphasizing that the discovery of this significant Sassanian inscription highlights the prominence of moral principles in ancient Iranian culture and the laws that were reflected in their social order.
