World Religions Emerge
A timeline of the birth and spread of the world's major religions — Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, and Zoroastrianism.
Composition of the Rigveda begins
The earliest Hindu sacred texts — hymns to the gods composed by Indo-Aryan priests — begin to take shape in oral tradition.
Zoroaster and early Zoroastrianism
The prophet Zoroaster preaches a near-monotheistic faith centered on Ahura Mazda and the cosmic struggle between good and evil.
Upanishads composed
Philosophical texts explore Brahman (ultimate reality), Atman (the self), karma, and liberation — reshaping Hindu thought.
Israelite monotheism matures
During and after the Babylonian Exile, Israelite religion develops into fully articulated monotheism — the belief in one universal God.
The Buddha achieves enlightenment
Siddhartha Gautama attains bodhi, articulates the Four Noble Truths, and begins teaching the Middle Way.
Ashoka promotes Buddhism across Asia
Emperor Ashoka sends missionaries beyond India, transforming Buddhism from a regional Indian movement into a world religion.
Bhagavad Gita composed
The Gita's dialogue between Arjuna and Krishna becomes Hinduism's most widely read text, teaching dharma, devotion, and the nature of the self.
Crucifixion of Jesus — Christianity begins
Jesus' execution and his followers' proclamation of his resurrection launch a movement that will become the world's largest religion.
Paul opens Christianity to Gentiles
Paul's decision to evangelize non-Jews transforms Christianity from a Jewish sect into a universal faith with global potential.
Edict of Milan legalizes Christianity
Constantine ends the persecution of Christians, beginning Christianity's transformation from underground faith to imperial religion.
Christianity becomes Rome's state religion
Emperor Theodosius makes Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire, completing its three-century journey from persecution to power.