Religion - Timeline

The eleven fundamental texts of Hinduism, the Upanishads, are written.

The Epics and Puranas, which detail the history of humans and celestial beings respectively, are written. This is the beginning of devotional Hinduism.

The Maurya Empire, located in present-day India, is founded by Chandragupta. Hinduism becomes this Empire’s major religion.

The Gupta Empire collapses after being overthrown by the invading Hun.

Buddhism is founded by the teachings of the Buddha.

The first Buddhist Council is held at Rajagaha. Buddhist Canon is settled and preserved.

King Ashoka’s reign begins, transforming a once majorly Hindu empire into a majorly Buddhist one.

Mahayana Buddhism starts to rise.

Buddhism first enters China.

Mahayana Buddhism spreads to Central Asia.

King Kanishka reigns, spreading Mahayana Buddhism.

Confucianism is founded by the teachings of the philosopher Confucius.

Confucius's death.

Confucianism is spread throughout China by Mencius.

A Han emperor venerates Confucius's grave.

Emperor Han Wudi requires Confucianism to be taught to bureaucrats.

Confucianism loses influence as the Han dynasty falls.

King Xiaowen builds a temple for Confucius.

Taoism originates in China during the Shang dynasty.

Life of Chinese philosopher Lao-Tzu, author of the Tao-Te-Ching.

Lao Tzu was worshipped.

A Taoist system called correlative cosmology is formed.

Taoist communities are formed.

One of the first organized Taoist communities, the Way of the Celestial Masters, is formed.

Taoism became more distinct.

Classical period of Taoism.

Jesus of Nazareth is born.

Death of Jesus Christ.

The Pentacost, sometimes known as the birthday of the church, occurs.

The first Gospel is published.

Roman rule of Israel begins. The Romans strongly dislike Christianity.

Christians are persecuted under the rule of Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius.

Armenia adopts Christianity as its national religion.

The Book of Revelation is written.

Judaism originates when Abraham begins his Journey.

Moses frees the Hebrews from the Egyptians.

King David expands the Hebrew Kingdom

King Solomon build Jerusalem's First Temple

The Babylonians take over the Southern Kingdom and destroy the first temple

The Second Temple is built by Ezra and Nehemiah.

The Second Temple is demolished by the Romans.

Aryans, who utilize Sanskrit, invade the Indus River Valley.

Hinduism begins due to influence from the Aryans. The Vedas are written in Sanskrit.