1. Major Religions

2. Hinduism Originated in Indus valley region Polytheistic
Believe in caste system, reincarnation, and karma
Caste system determined a person’s role in society

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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