Key Concepts 2.1/2.2 Religion and Empires

Belief in multiple gods

Outlined in Sanskirt scriptures, vedic religions, contributed to political and social roles of a caste system. Reincarnation. Neither Polytheistic and Monotheistic.

The covenant, the law and the prophets Ten Commandments and Moses. First Monotheistic religion. Torah.

Spread by Ashoka, Missionaries and merchants Founded by Siddhartha Guatama. Taught that desire led to suffering.

Social harmony. Five relationships

Balance between human and nature. Influences are symmetric and presents order and spontaneity. Founded by Lao Tzu

Constantine made this official religion of Roman Empire. Founded by Jesus.

Seasonal rains and winds.

The protection of more land.

Clearing forested land. Results in no housing, fuel or agriculture.

Challenges traditional Chinese values.

Respected with classic text and severed attachments to material goods and pleasure.

Patriarch continued to shape genders and family relations in all imperial societies of this period

Ubranization, complex political and social structures, growing merchant/middle class and more value placed on owning property.

Lost the right to own or inherit property, couldn't study sacred texts, treated like the Shudras, Obey father, husband and sons, married at early age, practice of sati and escaped to become Buddhist.

Science, mathematics, elements, gods, universe, reasoning, logic, Socratic Method, Scientific Method. Key thinkers are Socrates, Plato and Aristotle.

Protection and support, desire for a deeper sense of significance in life, hope for existence after death and provide answers to external questions.

Sacred calendars & rituals, sacred places, sacred teachings & writings, sacred symbols and religious organizations.

An extensive group of state or countries under a single supreme authority formerly, esp. an emperor or empress.