According to most scholars, Mandaeaism originated sometime in the first three centuries CE, in either southwestern Mesopotamia or the Syro-Palestinian area. However, some scholars take the view that Mandaeanism is older and dates from pre-Christian times.

Where did the Mandaeans originate?

Thought to have originated 2,000 years ago in Mesopotamia — modern day Iraq and Iran — the Mandaean community reveres John the Baptist, who they call Yehyea Yahana, and water's purifying force. Baptism, or masbuta, is the key ritual of this gnostic faith.

What was John the Baptist religion?

St. John the Baptist was an ascetic Jewish prophet known in Christianity as the forerunner of Jesus. John preached about God's Final Judgment and baptized repentant followers in preparation for it.