Heirs to Forgotten Kingdoms

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Despite its reputation for religious intolerance, the Middle East has long been home to many distinctive faiths. Some regard Greek prophets as incarnations of God, others revere Lucifer as a peacock, and some believe their followers are reincarnated beings. These religions are remnants of ancient civilizations like Persia, Babylon, and Egypt. Their adherents have developed strategies for survival amid foreign attacks and assimilation pressures. However, with the current turmoil in the region, these communities face unprecedented challenges. In this exploration, former diplomat Gerard Russell travels to remote areas where these mysterious religions struggle to endure. He immerses himself in the lives of the Mandaeans and Ezidis of Iraq, the Zoroastrians of Iran, the Copts of Egypt, and others, learning their histories and participating in their rituals. He also examines the threats these communities face, particularly the rise of militant sects within Islam and the consequences of Western interventions, which now endanger these minority faiths. As many young people seek better opportunities in the West, these religions confront the alarming prospect of extinction. Through his travels and research, Russell provides a vital account of the past, present, and precarious future of these remarkable faiths.