Magism, repulsed in its attempt to oust the rival religion, derived wisdom from the lesson, and thenceforth set itself to sap the fortress which it could not storm.

Little by little it crept into favor, mingling itself with the old Arian creed, not displacing it, but only adding to it.

In the later Persian system the Dualism of Zoroaster and the Magian elemental worship were jointly professed--the Magi were accepted as the national priests--the rights and ceremonies of the two religions were united--a syncretism not unusual in the ancient world blended into one two creeds originally quite separate and distinct, but in few respects antagonistic--and the name of Zoroaster being still fondly cherished in the memory of the nation, while in their practical religion Magian rites predominated, the mixed religion acquired the name, by which it was known to the later Greeks, of "the Magism of Zoroaster." The Magian rites have been described in the chapter on the Median Religion.

Their leading feature was the fire-worship, which is still cherished among those descendants of the ancient Persians who did not submit to the religion of Islam.

On lofty spots in the high mountain-chain which traversed both Media and Persia, fire-altars were erected, on which burnt a perpetual flame, watched constantly lest it should expire, and believed to have been kindled from heaven.