History of Major Religions Timeline

(Ancient times to Present)

This timeline highlights key events in the history of major religions, including the rise of Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. More Less

Go to: Timeline | Event List | Key Facts | Directory

Founding and Early Development

Construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem

957 BCE

King Solomon completes the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem, which becomes the central place of worship for the ancient Israelites and the focal point of Jewish religious life.

Image source: Solomon's Temple

Life of Siddhartha Gautama

563 BCE

Siddhartha Gautama, later known as Gautama Buddha, is born in Lumbini, Nepal. He goes on to become the founder of Buddhism and the central figure of the Buddhist faith.

Image source: The Buddha

Life of Confucius

551 BCE - 479 BCE

Confucius, a Chinese philosopher and teacher, is born. His teachings form the basis of Confucianism, a major religious and ethical system in East Asia.

Image source: Confucius

Compilation of the Quran

609 CE - 632 CE

The Quran, the central religious text of Islam, is compiled during the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad, encompassing his revelations and teachings.

Image source: Quran

Birth of Guru Nanak

1469 CE - 1539 CE

Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, is born in present-day Pakistan. His teachings and spiritual insights lay the foundation for the Sikh faith.

Image source: Guru Nanak

Baha'i Faith Established

1863 CE

Bahá'u'lláh, the founder of the Bahá'í Faith, publicly announces his mission and teachings, which emphasize the unity of humanity and the need for global peace and justice.

Image source: Baháʼí Faith

Expansion and Spread

Conversion of Emperor Constantine to Christianity

312 CE

Emperor Constantine the Great converts to Christianity, marking a significant turning point in the spread and acceptance of Christianity within the Roman Empire.

Image source: Constantine the Great

Founding of the Jesuit Order

1540 CE

Ignatius of Loyola establishes the Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits, a Catholic religious order dedicated to education, missionary work, and intellectual pursuits.

Image source: Jesuits

Election of Pope Francis

2013 CE

Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina is elected as Pope Francis, becoming the first pope from the Americas and emphasizing a more inclusive and compassionate approach within the Catholic Church.

Image source: Pope Francis

Interactions and Influences

Great Schism

1054 CE

The Great Schism occurs, leading to the formal split between the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church, resulting in the formation of two distinct Christian traditions.

Image source: East–West Schism

Edict of Nantes

1598 CE

King Henry IV of France issues the Edict of Nantes, granting religious freedom and tolerance to Protestants in France, ending decades of religious conflict.

Image source: Edict of Nantes

Salem Witch Trials

1692 CE - 1693 CE

The Salem Witch Trials take place in colonial Massachusetts, resulting in the execution of several individuals accused of witchcraft, highlighting the dangers of religious hysteria and intolerance.

Image source: Salem witch trials

Indian National Congress

1885 CE

The Indian National Congress is founded, becoming a prominent political organization that advocates for independence from British colonial rule and represents various religious and cultural groups in India.

Image source: Indian National Congress

Islamic Revolution in Iran

1979 CE

The Islamic Revolution in Iran leads to the overthrow of the monarchy and the establishment of an Islamic republic, significantly impacting the political and religious landscape of the country.

Image source: Iranian Revolution

Publication of "The Satanic Verses"

1988 CE

Salman Rushdie's novel "The Satanic Verses" is published, leading to widespread controversy and protests due to its perceived blasphemy against Islam, highlighting the tensions between freedom of expression and religious sensitivities.

Image source: The Satanic Verses

Fall of the Berlin Wall

1989 CE

The fall of the Berlin Wall symbolizes the end of the Cold War era and the reunification of East and West Germany, allowing for greater religious freedom and exchange of ideas.

Image source: Berlin Wall

Dalai Lama Receives Nobel Peace Prize

1989 CE

The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent efforts to resolve the Tibetan struggle for independence and promote global peace and understanding.

Image source: 14th Dalai Lama

Doctrinal and Theological Developments

Protestant Reformation

1517 CE

Martin Luther, a German monk, publishes his Ninety-Five Theses, challenging the practices and authority of the Roman Catholic Church and sparking the Protestant Reformation.

Image source: Reformation

First Vatican Council

1869 CE - 1870 CE

The First Vatican Council is convened by Pope Pius IX, leading to the proclamation of the doctrine of papal infallibility and other significant decrees, reaffirming the authority and teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.

Image source: First Vatican Council

Second Vatican Council

1962 CE - 1965 CE

The Second Vatican Council is held, leading to significant reforms and changes within the Roman Catholic Church, including liturgical revisions, increased interfaith dialogue, and a renewed emphasis on social justice.

Image source: Second Vatican Council

Key Facts

Hinduism is one of the oldest religions in the world, with roots dating back over 4,000 years.
Siddhartha Gautama, also known as the Buddha, founded Buddhism in the 5th century BCE.
Judaism traces its origins back to the covenant between God and Abraham around 1800 BCE.
Christianity emerged in the 1st century CE, following the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Islam was founded by the Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century CE.

Source

This History of Major Religions timeline was generated with the help of AI using information found on the internet.

We strive to make these timelines as accurate as possible, but occasionally inaccurates slip in. If you notice anything amiss, let us know at [email protected] and we'll correct it for future visitors.

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