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Key Concept 2.1


As states and empires increased in size and contacts between regions intensified, human communities transformed their religious and ideological beliefs and practices.
​

I. Codifications and further developments of existing religious traditions provided a bond among people and an
​   ethical code to live by.

   A. The association of monotheism with Judaism further developed with the codification of the Hebrew Scriptures, which
​       also reflected the influence of Mesopotamian cultural and legal traditions. The Assyrian, Babylonian, and Roman
​       empires conquered various Jewish states at different points in time. These conquests contributed to the growth of Jewish
​       diasporic communities around the Mediterranean and Middle East.
   B. The core beliefs outlined in the Sanskrit scriptures formed the basis of the Vedic religions—developing later into what
​       was known as Hinduism, a monistic belief system. These beliefs included the importance of multiple manifestations of
​       Brahman and teachings about dharma and reincarnation, and they contributed to the development of the social and
​       political roles of a caste system.
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​II. New belief systems and cultural traditions emerged and spread, often
​    asserting universal truths.
    A. The core beliefs preached by the historic Buddha and collected by his
​         followers in sutras and other scriptures were, in part, a reaction to the Vedic
​         beliefs and rituals dominant in South Asia. Buddhism branched into many
​         schools and changed over time as it spread throughout Asia—first through
​         the support of the Mauryan emperor Ashoka, and then through the efforts of
​         missionaries and merchants and the establishment of educational institutions
​         to promote Buddhism’s core teachings.
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B. Confucianism’s core beliefs and writings originated in the writings and lessons of
​    Confucius. They were elaborated by key disciples, including rulers such as Wudi, who
​    sought to promote social harmony by outlining proper rituals and social relationships for all
​    people in China.
C. In major Daoist writings, the core belief of balance between humans and nature assumed
​    that the Chinese political system would be altered indirectly. Daoism also influenced the
​    development of Chinese culture.

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D. Core beliefs of Christianity were based on the teachings, divinity, and resurrection of Jesus
​    of Nazareth as recorded by his disciples and drew on Judaism as well as Roman and
​    Hellenistic influences. Despite initial Roman imperial hostility, Christianity spread through
​    the efforts of missionaries, merchants, and early saints through many parts of Afro–Eurasia
​    and eventually gained Roman imperial support by the time of Emperor Constantine.
E. Greco–Roman religious and philosophical traditions offered diverse perspectives on the study of the natural world, the
​    connection to the divine, and the nature of political power and hierarchy. Some of these perspectives emphasized logic,
​    empirical observation, and scientific investigation.
F. Art and architecture reflected the values of religions and belief systems.
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III. Belief systems generally reinforced existing social structures while also offering new
​     roles and status to some men and women.

     A. Confucianism emphasized filial piety.
     B. Some Buddhists and Christians practiced a monastic life.

IV. Other religious and cultural traditions continued and in some paces were incorporated into major religious
​     traditions.

     A. Shamanism, animism, and ancestor veneration continued in their traditional forms in some instances, and in others were
​          incorporated into other religious traditions.
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KC 2.2