Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity, Zoroastrianism
Hinduism
Consisted of a caste system, where Brahma are the highest and the Dalits are the lowest (untouchables)
Believe in reincarnation
Christianity
Wanted followers to lead simple lives
Judaism
Zoroastrianism
Monotheistic
Concept of Heaven and Hell
Monotheistic
Monotheistic
Doing good in this life = you will move up a caste in the next
Popular amongst slaves & women
Leaders are priests, popes, saints
Outlawed in Rome b/c Christians refused to worship Roman gods, legalized by Constantine in 313 C.E.
Spread through the Silk Road into India, Persia, Mesopotamia, Central Asia, & North Africa
Had written accounts of the religion growing called gospels
Founded by Zarathustra
Popular in Persia
Allowed diversity in ethnic groups to take place
Founder of Christianity is Jesus, whom Christians believe is the Messiah and the son of God
Dharma, fulfilling one's duty in life
Salvation is achieved through a spiritual oneness of the soul (atman) with the universe (Brahma)
Ahimsa (belief that all life is precious), cows are sacred animals
Basis for Christianity
Founded by Abraham & Moses
Holy book is called the Torah
State religion of 3 Persian dynasties until Muslims conquered Persia