Unit 0 Key Figures

Abraham

The foundational Hebrew patriarch of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, Abraham established a covenant with God, promoting monotheism and faith. Abraham played a vital role in both regional faiths during his time, and also continues to influence religions around the world today. He is mentioned in the sacred texts of all three religions, including the Torah, Bible, and Quran.

Alexander the Great

The king of Macedon(ia) from 336-323 BCE who is known for overthrowing the Achaemenid (Persian) empire and establishing one of the largest empires in history which spanned from Egypt to northern India. He contributed vastly to the spread of Hellenistic ideas through his conquests, bringing forth the Hellenistic Age.

Allah

The word for God in Arabic, used in Islam to refer to the singular, all-powerful deity. Muhammad is believed to be one of the messengers of Allah, and Muslims around the world refer to Allah as the supreme creator and ruler of the earth. However, the word “Allah” is used by Arabic speakers of many different faiths.

Ashoka

The emperor of the Mauryan dynasty of India who is well known for his influence upon the spread of Buddhism throughout his empire and his promotion of non-violence, especially after the remorse he felt following the conquest of the Kalinga country. He placed emphasis on social welfare and made the concept of dharma central to the empire.

Confucius

A Chinese philosopher whose ideas formed the basis of Confucianism, a system of thoughts and actions which places emphasis upon moral and ethical standards. The merit-based system of ancient China would be based upon his ideas. Moreover, his ideas of Confucianism would establish societal hierarchies, highlighting respect for elders and older family members. His teachings are still very prevalent in modern cultures.

Constantine (the Great)

The Roman emperor from CE 306 - 337 who was the first to convert to, and legalize, Christianity which aided the spread of the religion throughout the empire. He established the capital of the Roman empire of Constantine, which is now called Istanbul, and it remained for over ten centuries. He is still regarded as one of the most prominent leaders of the Roman empire, and a catalyst for the Christianization of Rome.

Jesus

The central figure of Christianity who is believed to be God’s son and presence on earth. Many branches of Christianity regard Jesus as the messiah, and worship him as the savior of humanity. Overall, Jesus is known for his teachings, recorded in the Bible, and his eventual crucifixion and resurrection, which is celebrated by Christians on the holiday of Easter.

Justinian I

The emperor of the Byzantine empire from 527 to 565 who is well known for his ambitious project to codify Roman law, resulting in the "Corpus Juris Civilis" or "Body of Civil Law." His reign marked significant military, architectural, and cultural achievements, including the construction of the Hagia Sophia.

Muhammad

The founder of Islam and regarded by Muslims as the last prophet sent by God. Born in Mecca around 570 CE. He was the main figure in Islam and received revelation from Allah (God) through the angel Gabriel. He is the role model for all Muslims, outlining a life of peace through Islam and his teachings remain an integral part of the religion. His practiced are recorded in the Quran, which is considered the holy book for Islam.

Siddhartha Gautama/Buddha

Known more commonly as the Buddha, which means “the awakened one,” was a spiritual teacher who founded Buddhism in the 5th century BCE. He spread teachings focused on overcoming suffering, self-understanding, as well as the five skandhas, and the Four Noble Truths, which ultimately lead to enlightenment and peace within ones life.