Iran is now home to one of the world's oldest civilizations, one that hosted a school dedicated to the philosophy of religion. Located along the Silk Road at Urmia Lake, it was founded by a wealthy businessman named Cymboyton as a first century experiment promoting interfaith dialogue and understanding. A diverse faculty placed special emphasis on the similarities within their respective religious beliefs. Together they facilitated an evolving understanding of the attributes of God along with other things concerning this life and the next. It is in this same inspirational tradition that the Ascension Cafe and the Ascension University honor our world's rich history of outstanding teachers.