Unit 2: World Religions Test Study Guide

Hinduism

An ancient religion that emphasizes organized structure under the Gupta Empire and features a caste system.

Caste System

A social hierarchy in Hindu society that includes the concept of Untouchables.

Siddhartha Gautama

The founder of Buddhism, who is also known as the Buddha.

Ashoka

The Mauryan emperor who supported Buddhism and helped it gain state sponsorship.

Stupas

Buddhist commemorative monuments that house sacred relics.

Judaism

A monotheistic religion with key figures like Abraham, Moses, and significant events such as the Exodus.

Ten Commandments

The ethical guidelines given to Moses that are central to Judaism.

King David

The king who established Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

King Solomon

The king who built the First Temple in Jerusalem.

Babylonian Exile

The period when Jews were exiled to Babylon, eventually returning to build the Second Temple.

Jesus Christ

The founder of Christianity, regarded as the Son of God and the Messiah.

Apostle Paul

Disciple who played a key role in spreading the teachings of Jesus.

Persecution of Christians

The oppression faced by Christians during the reign of Emperor Diocletian.

Edict of Milan

The decree issued by Emperor Constantine granting freedom of worship to Christians.

Shari'ah law

Islamic legal framework based on the teachings of the Quran and Hadith.

4 Rightly Guided Caliphs

The first four caliphs after Muhammad's death, including Abu-Bakr and Ali.

Sunni vs Shia

The major branches within Islam that arose after the assassination of Ali.

Islamic Golden Age

A period during which the Umayyad and Abbasid caliphates contributed significantly to science, education, and culture.

House of Wisdom

A major intellectual center during the Islamic Golden Age located in Baghdad.