1. The Ganges River Valley The Aryans

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3. The Aryans Migrating across Europe and Asia seeking water and land for their horses and cattle were the Aryans. Unlike the Indus Valley Civilizations, the Aryans built no cities and left no statues or seals.

4. The Vedas Most of what we know about the Aryans comes from the Vedas, a collection of prayers, hymns, and other religious teachings. –For thousands of years, the Vedas were memorized and recited by priests and passed down. –From the Vedas, we know that the Aryans were warriors who fought in chariots using bows and arrows. –Cattle also seem to have been of great importance to them for food and clothing

5. Aryan Religious Beliefs The Vedas tell us that the Aryans were polytheistic, believing in gods and goddesses for all natural things. Over time, however, the Aryans’ religious beliefs began to change toward a more monotheistic view point. –They began believing in a single spiritual power beyond the gods of the Vedas, called Brahman, that resided in all things. –This religious belief will later be included in Hinduism

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7. Meditation and Yoga An interest in mysticism also developed. Mystics are people who devote their lives to seeking spiritual truth. These people began meditation and yoga, spiritual and bodily discipline, to directly become one with divine forces. These practices would become a part of Hinduism and Buddhism.