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2200 BCE
Egyptian Religion
The Egyptians were polytheistic meaning they had many gods. They also had a strong belief in the afterlife. The amazing pyramids that were created, were built as tombs to provide for the dead pharaohs and officials in their afterlife. Egyptian beliefs influenced the way the people acted as they wanted to be on good terms with the gods. -
2000 BCE
Greek Religion
The Greeks were also polytheistic. The stories and tales of their gods and goddesses are still told today. The Greeks believed that these gods and goddesses had control of every aspect of their life. Like the Egyptians, the Greeks wanted to be on good terms with them so that they would not be punished. -
586 BCE
Judaism and the Babylonian Captivity
Judaism was different than other religions of its time as it was monotheistic meaning they served only one god. The Babylonian Captivity was when the Jews were exiled from their home in Isreal and enslaved in Babylon. The Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem including Solomon's temple. -
33
The Crucifixion of Jesus
One of the most important pieces in religious history would be the crucifixion of Christ. He was believed to be God's son which he sent to save people from their sins. His teachings and messages spread across the world. His death exemplifies that sin and evil have been overcome. After his death, Christianity began. -
312
Constantine Converting to Christianity
A crucial impact on Christianity was when Emperor Constantine converted and became a Christian. During a battle, he had a vision that he believed to be from the Christian God. After the victory, he became a Christian and it expanded quickly after. -
570
Muhammad and Islam
Muhammed was an Arab man born in 570 CE. He is the founder and prophet of the Islamic faith. He would often recite the Koran, which were the words spoken to Muhammed by an angel from God. The Islamic faith recognizes him as the last prophet. -
1095
The Crusades
The Middle East was invaded by the Europeans for Christian purposes. This series of invasions was called the Crusades. The goal was for the Christians to reclaim the Holy Land from the Muslims. The Crusades had positive economic results and led to the growth of cities. -
1440
Invention of the Printing Press
Arguably the most important invention of all time would be the printing press. The printing press made information more widely available to the public. It had a great impact on religion as the Bible could not be printed at a faster rate. More and more people would have access to one to read it themselves and develop their own opinions. -
1517
Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation
Martin Luther started the Protestant Reformation. He challenged the ideas of the Catholic Church. His initiative changed Christianity as new denominations were created because of him. -
Aug 24, 1572
St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre
The St. Bathrolomew's Day Massacre was an event that led to 20,000 deaths over the course of two months. It began on August 24th, 1572 when Catholics Charles X and Catherine de Medici of France invited the Protestant Huguenot Prince Henry of Navarre to Paris to marry Charles's sister Margaret. They promised to come unarmed, however, the Catholic forces began attacking the Protestants. More than 2,000 died that day. Massacres across the countries began after this day and led to many deaths. -
Thesis
Religion and its beliefs have and continue to change throughout history as it plays a central role in many people's lives with their actions, morals, and values.