Major Religions
Hinduism Originated in Indus valley region Polytheistic Believe in caste system, reincarnation, and karma Caste system determined a person’s role in society
Buddhism Started in India Centers around meditation and search for enlightenment Started by Siddhartha Gautama Missionaries spread the religion Also spread down trade routes such as the Silk Road Buddhism
Judaism Originated in SW Asia Traces roots to Abraham Monotheistic Israel was the first Jewish kingdom Assyrians carried many conquered Jews away in captivity during Jewish Diaspora Holy literature called Torah Menorah and Star of David was sacred symbol
Christianity Founded by Jesus Jesus claimed to be the Messiah, son of God Jesus’ followers spread Christianity to Asia, North Africa, and Europe Holy book is the Bible (Old and New Testament) Symbols are the cross, dove, fish Constantine spread the religion through the Roman Empire Christianity
Islam Started by Muhammad in Arabia Monotheistic Spread through military campaigns (Ottomans) Believe in 5 Pillars of Faith Holy book is the Qur’an (Koran) Worship in a mosque Star and Crescent are symbols of the religion Islam