Major Empires and World Religions

Empires

Major empires that controlled vast territories and diverse populations included:

• Rome (Italy)
• Han Dynasty (China)
• Maya (Mesoamerica)
• Alexander the Great's empire (Greece)
• Gupta and Maurya empires (India)

Common features of empires:

• Centralized government with bureaucracies
• Extensive infrastructure
• Large militaries
• Codified laws
• Taxation systems
• Social hierarchies, often including slavery
• Cosmopolitan cities with diverse cultures and languages

Definition: Empire - A political unit where one state controls a large territory and rules over many culturally different peoples

World Religions

Hinduism

• Ancient polytheistic tradition from India
• Beliefs in reincarnation (samsara) and karma
• Concept of atman (soul) seeking moksha (liberation)
• Caste system defining social roles and duties (dharma)

Vocabulary: Caste system - A hierarchical social structure in Hindu society

Buddhism

• Founded by Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha)
• Core beliefs: Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path
• Concept of achieving enlightenment (nirvana)
• Spread to China, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia
• Major branches: Theravada, Mahayana, Tibetan

Quote: "The middle way is best" - A key Buddhist teaching emphasizing moderation

Confucianism and Daoism

Confucianism:

• Emphasis on social harmony and filial piety
• Five great relationships defining social order
• Adopted as state philosophy in Han Dynasty

Daoism:

• Focus on living in harmony with the Dao ("The Way")
• Principles of simplicity and non-action
• Complementary to Confucianism in Chinese thought

Highlight: The concept of Yin and Yang represents the balance of opposing forces in Daoist philosophy

Judaism

• First monotheistic Abrahamic religion
• Holy texts: Torah and Talmud
• Emphasis on rules and obedience (e.g. Ten Commandments)
• History of diaspora and persecution

Christianity

• Messianic religion branching from Judaism
• Centered on teachings of Jesus of Nazareth
• Spread by Saint Paul and Roman emperors (Constantine, Theodosius)
• Became universal religion of Roman Empire
• Major split: Great Schism (Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches)

Islam

• Founded by Prophet Muhammad in Arabia
• Holy text: Quran
• Five Pillars of Islam as core practices
• Rapid spread through military conquest and trade
• Major split: Sunni and Shia
• Development of Islamic scholarship (ulama) and mysticism (Sufism)

Example: The jizya tax was imposed on non-Muslims in Islamic empires, influencing religious demographics over time.