The Zoroastrian religious and social reformer Mazdak of Persia apparently implemented radical social welfare programs and changes with the approval of an emperor and has even been seen by some as proto-socialist. What are the realities of the programs he instituted and what was their social context?

by tombomp

I imagine a lot of what we know about him and his movement was written by his enemies so it's hard to pin down what he believed as a lot of what the wikipedia article claims sounds too good to be true. The idea that a major religious reformer challenging social inequality would find the favour of an emperor sounds bizarre; did this actually happen and what led up to it? And did the memories of the movement have a longer lasting influence on thought in the area?

Trevor_Culley

Somebody else may have more to add, but I've addressed Mazdak, his roots/legacy, and his relationship with Shah Kavad I in this older answer.