1. Early Religions

2. The Vedic Religion
Hebrew Monotheism
Zoroastrianism

3. The Vedic Religion Started by the ARYANS
Came to India around 1500 B.C.E.
Pastoralists who relied on horses
Made effective use of chariots (good at winning battles)
No written language but they composed poems and songs
Passed orally through generations
The Rig Veda (hymns addressed to the gods) is the main collection of these songs and poems

6. formed the basis of Hinduism
A strongly defined caste system
Polytheistic
Belief in reincarnation and karma

7. Hebrew Monotheism Comes out of Mesopotamia
Abraham embraces the idea of 1 god
Sets the stage for Christian & Jewish beliefs

9. Zoroastrianism Started in modern day Iran
“good words, good thoughts, good deeds”
Not exactly monotheistic but often gets credit for being the first
The source of all good, Angra Mazda, was in constant conflict with Angra Mainyu, the source of all evil
After 12,000 years Mazda would win
Becomes the official religion of the Persian Empire

12. Lord of the light (GoT) or Zoroastrianism?