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2000 BCE
Abraham
Chosen by God, Abraham is considered the father of all three Monotheistic religions. His sons Issac and Ishmael are said to be the ancestors of Jesus and Muhammad, respectively. -
1571 BCE
Moses
After an enslavement by the Egyptians, the Hebrews are freed by Moses. They wander the desert for 40 years before they settle in Jerusalem. -
597 BCE
Babylonian Exile
The Hebrews are held captive by the Babylonians. Judaism survives as they continue to practice despite Babylonian attempts to convert them. -
4 BCE
Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ preaches throughout Jerusalem, accumulating many followers. He is put to death in 33 CE by the Romans as requested by Jewish leaders. -
33
Early Christianity
Following Jesus' death, his followers continue to spread his work and begin to write down his teachings. The early church is persecuted by the Roman Empire and Jewish leaders. -
367
New Testament Established
After a few centuries of new additions to the Bible, an official canon is recognized by the bishop of Alexandria. It is made up of transcriptions of Jesus' teachings and accounts of the early Christians as they spread the word of Jesus. -
476
Fall of Roman Empire
After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire rises. One of their leaders, Charlemagne, a devout Christian, uses his power as ruler to spread Christianity throughout his empire. -
570
Muhammad
Muhammad receives holy text of the Quran from the angel Gabriel. He spreads his beliefs throughout Mecca, and the religion is widely accepted. -
661
Shia and Sunni Split
After the death of Imam Ali, there is conflict among Muslims about finding the next leader. The split that results still exists today, and is a source of discrimination and hatred with the Islamic religion. -
730
Spread of Islam
Islam begins to spread out of Mecca throughout the Middle East by the end of the 7th century. It also begins to spread to Africa, Spain, and India. -
Period: 1095 to 1492
The Crusades
Supported by the papacy, holy wars are waged on Jerusalem. It is an attempt by the Christian church to reclaim the Holy Land from the Muslims. -
1453
Fall of Byzantine/Rise of Ottoman Empire
The Byzantine Empire is overthrown by the Ottomans in 1453. The empire is made of Turkish Muslims. -
Period: 1478 to
Spanish Inquistion
The Inquisition originally began to weed out heresy in the Catholic Church. Over the years, many, including Jews and Muslims, were executed for not being Catholic on charges of witchcraft and the like. -
1517
Reformation
Martin Luther posts his 95 theses in 1517. This sparks the splintering of the Christian Church. -
Period: to
The Holocaust
European Jews are persecuted by the Nazi party of Germany. Around 6 million Jews die, along with many who helped them and other marginalized groups. -
Islamic Republic of Iran
The Islamic Republic of Iran is established as a result of the Iranian Revolution. This is the first Islamic state established in the modern era.
