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1713 BCE
Origin of Judaism
Abraham makes the first covenant with God and Judaism gains it's foundation. -
1600 BCE
Taoism developes
Early Taoist ideologies (regarding nature and balance with the universe) slowly begin spreading throughout Shang China. -
Period: 1500 BCE to 1200 BCE
Aryans migrate to northern India
Aryans coming from the northwest, migrated into India with oral traditions, known as Vedas. -
1440 BCE
Exodus from Egypt
The Jews leave Egyptian slavery to return to their promised land. They were lead by Moses. -
Period: 1000 BCE to 600 BCE
Many early Hindu texts are composed
The Upanishads, Aranyakas, and Brahmanas were all written in this time period, carving the path towards modern customs, including the caste system. -
960 BCE
Solomon's Temple completed
King Soloman completes the first Jewish temple in Jerusalem. -
931 BCE
Jerusalem Kingdoms split
Following King Solomon's death, Jersusalem splits into two kingdoms-- the Kingdom of Isreal and the Kingdom of Judah -
800 BCE
Caste system emerges
As Vedic traditions mixed with native Indian culture, the Caste system was developed. -
700 BCE
Foundation of Hinduism
Indian scholars codify Aryan beliefs, providing a basis for Hinduism. -
604 BCE
Lao Tzu born
Lao Tzu, or Laozi, is born. He will go on to be the founder of Taoism, and write the Tao-Te-Ching, the Taoist text containing Laozi's teachings. -
597 BCE
Babylonian Exile
First Babylonian exile of the Jews, who became captive in Babylonia. -
563 BCE
Siddartha Gautama Born
A prince is born into an aristocratic, royal family. He would later become the Enlightened one and gain the title of Buddha. He established many core parts of Buddhist practice, including the Middle Path. -
551 BCE
Confucius is born
The philosopher responsible for the teachings of Confucianism was born. -
516 BCE
Second Jewish temple
After their return and they first Temple was destroyed by Babylonians, the Jews finsished a second temple in Jerusalem. -
486 BCE
First Buddhist Council established
THe first Buddhist Council comes together and in time produces the first Buddhist Canon. -
Period: 479 BCE to 140 BCE
The Analects are compiled
The philosophic teachings of Confucius were compiled after his death by his followers, though it is uncertain when exactly. Many of it is believed to be compacted throughout a few generations. -
350 BCE
Zhuangzi continues philosophy
Influential philosopher Zhuangzi studied the work of Lao Tzo and continued to expand it. He went on the provide the basis of early Taoist beliefs. -
330 BCE
Spread of Confucianism
A disciple of Confucius, Mencius, travels throughout China to expand the influence of Confucius. -
320 BCE
Mauryan empire established
During the Mauryan reign, Hindu ministers were able to influence and obtain governemtal positions, yet the leader, Asoka, still embraced Buddhism. -
300 BCE
Temple worship
The first evidence of Hindu worship in temples dates back the the 4th century BCE. -
269 BCE
Reign of King Asoka begins
King Ashoka of the Mauryan Dynasty in India begins his reign, and heavily endorses Buddhism. -
250 BCE
Buddhism arrives in Middle East
Buddhist influence reaches Persia via trade. -
167 BCE
Birth of Hanukkah
The Jewish holiday, Hanukkah is created after a revolt victory against Roman Hellenists. -
100 BCE
Rise of Mahayana Buddhism
A particular sect of Buddhist practice sees a rise in popularity as the religion continues to develope. Today it remaines the most practiced form of the religion. -
100 BCE
Han emperor converts to Confucianism
Han Emporer Wu converts from Legalism to OCnfucianism, beginning an increase in Confucianism and its relationship with government and culture. -
4 BCE
Jesus Christ born
Influential religious preacher Jesus Christ is born. He will later become the starting point of Christianity -
30
Jesus crucified
The death of Jesus was the most influential moment in religious history. Christianity would as a result spread massively and eventually become the most practiced religion. -
30
First Pope
The Apostle of Jesus, or St. Peter, is crowned as the first Pope. -
67
Paul martyred
Paul the Apostle, a follower of Jesus is killed, leading to further influence of Christianity. -
100
Buddhism spreads to China
Buddhist beleifs cross into China during the Han Dynasty. -
142
Taoism develops into an organized religion
The Way of the Masters sect was founded by Zang Daoling, which was the first organized practice of Taoism, complete with complex rituals and devotions. The highest divine was Lao Tzu himself according to the sect. -
175
Analects inscribed
The Analects, which contained the teachings of Confucius were inscribed in the Imperial Academy. -
200
Buddhism spreads throughout Central Asia
Not too long after China gains Buddhist population, the religion begins to spread throughout Central Asia. -
200
Earliest Bible translations
Bible is beginning to spread and be translated into different languages. -
215
Taoism receives national attention
As leader Cao Cao rises to power, he legitimasizes his rule by nationally recognizing a school of Taoists. This likely led to greater spread of the belief system of the Dao. -
220
Han Dynasty ends
The collapse of the Han Dynasty in China results in a loss of influence of Confucianism. -
220
Taoism flourishes
As the Han Dynasty collapsed Confucianism ides down and Taoism is given room to come out on top for a while. -
301
Christianity becomes a state religion
Due to it's spread, Armenia becomes the world's first country to officially adopt Christianity as the state religion. -
313
Edict of Milan
Christianity becomes legal in Roman empire -
316
Way of the Masters reemerges
The famous sect of Taoism returns to the spotlight after the Six Dynasties period, splitting into two different sects, northern and southern. Impacts culture and politics. -
320
Hinduism gains influence
As the Mauryan Empire comes to a close and the Gupta Empire is established, Hinduism is given room to spread during an era of peace. -
372
Confucian academies built
Major educational locations were erected to expand the Confucian philosophies.