Zazai of Gawazta was a contemporary of Sasanian Emperor Bahram I (r. 271–274), who persecuted non-Zoroastrian minorities and was known for his execution of Mani.[4] Zazai of Gawazta's role in initiating the systematic codification of Mandaean texts can be seen as an effort to protect Mandaeism during a time of intense religious persecution.[2]: 4