The Faravahar is one of the best-known symbols of Zoroastrianism, the state religion of ancient Iran. This religious-cultural symbol was adapted by the Pahlavi dynasty to represent the Iranian nation. The winged disc has a long history in the art and culture of the ancient Near and Middle East. Historically, the symbol is influenced by the 'winged sun' hieroglyph appearing on Bronze Age royal seals. In Neo-Assyrian times, a human bust is added to the disk, the 'feather-robed archer' interpreted as symbolizing Ashur. The symbol is currently thought to represent a Fravashi (a guardian angel). Because the symbol first appears on royal inscriptions, it is also thought to represent the 'Divine Royal Glory' and the divine mandate that was the foundation of a king's authority.