Religions Rising to Universality Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards summarizing the key concepts, belief systems, geographic spread, historical figures, and events related to the rise of universal religions and political history.

Christianity (Core Offerings)

Offered Christ, heaven, and salvation.

Buddhism (Core Offerings)

Offered enlightenment.

Hinduism (Core Offerings)

Offered accessible devotion to gods.

Islam (Core Offerings)

Offered belief in one god and personal responsibility.

Universal Religions Era

Period from 300 to 600 CE when Christianity and Buddhism became universal religions.

Christianity (Geographic Spread)

Spread through the Roman Empire and the Mediterranean.

Buddhism (Geographic Spread)

Spread from India to SE Asia, Central Asia, and China.

Islam (Geographic Spread)

Spread across the Arabian Peninsula, N Africa, and Spain.

Buddhism (Key Concepts)

Includes the Eightfold Path, 4 Noble truths, and enlightenment.

Hinduism (Key Concepts)

Includes the caste system, dharma, Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.

Islam (Key Concepts)

Includes the Five Pillars, one God, and the prophet Muhammad.

Geographic Barriers

Rainforests, oceans, and deserts that made it hard for universal religions to migrate.

Mesoamerican Pyramids

Structures used for religious ceremonies, sacrifices, and tombs.

Jesus

Founder of Christianity, associated with Rome.

Siddartha Gautama

Founder of Buddhism, associated with India.

Hinduism Founder Origin

Has no founder and originated in the Vedic Region.

Muhammad

Prophet and founder of Islam, associated with Mecca and the Arabian Peninsula.

Constantine

Roman emperor who helped establish and spread Christianity.

Gupta Dynasty

Dynasty that helped spread Hinduism.

Silk Roads

Asian trade routes that helped spread Buddhism.

Umayyad and Abbasid Caliphates

Caliphates that helped spread Islam.

Goths and Huns

Groups that caused the fall of the Western Roman Empire (WRE).

First Council of Nicaea

Council held in 325 CE.

Causes of WRE Fall

Invasion and weak government.

Varna and Jati

Terms related to the caste system.

Bantu

Group associated with east monarchies, Congo, and big men.

Mayans

Decentralized civilization located in the Yucatan Peninsula with difficult terrain.

Hijra

The journey from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE.

Battle of Tours

Battle that stopped the Muslim invasion during the expansion of Islam to the far west under the caliphates.