Download Religions and Empires Glossary_Key

World History II
Unit 1: 1 – Religion and Empires
Term
Abraham
Definition
First Biblical leader of Judaism
Asoka
Emperor of India who embraced Buddhism and sent missionaries to spread
Buddhism to China and other parts of Asia
Buddhism
Religion and philosophical teachings of Siddhartha Gautama that started in India
Caste System
Strict Hindu class system based on karma
Christianity
Monotheistic religion based on the teachings of Jesus as the Son of God which is
found in the New Testament
Eightfold Path to
Enlightenment
Based on the teachings of the Buddha, completing these steps will result in
nirvana.
Five Pillars of Islam
Basic beliefs of Islam including a declaration of faith in God and Muhammad as
the prophet; pray towards Mecca five times a day; charity or alms to the poor;
fasting during Ramadan; and a pilgrimage to Mecca
Buddhist philosophy to help end suffering and desire and to follow the Eightfold
Path
Four Noble Truths
Hinduism
Religion founded by Aryan settlers in India which has many forms of one God
Islam
Monotheistic religion founded by the teachings of Muhammad, the prophet
Jesus
His life and teachings are the basis of Christianity
Judaism
First monotheistic religion based on the beliefs of Abraham and Moses
Karma
Knowledge that all thoughts and actions result in future consequences
Mecca
Birthplace of Muhammad; sacred city
Medina
Second holiest city where Islam gains popularity
Monotheism
Belief in one God
Muhammad, the prophet
Founder of Islam
World History II
Unit 1: 1 – Religion and Empires
New Testament
Life and teachings of Jesus
Nirvana
To become one with the universal spirit and end the cycle of reincarnation
Qur’an (Koran)
Sacred text of Islam
Reincarnation
Rebirth based on karma
Siddhartha Gautama
(Buddha)
Founder of Buddhism
Ten Commandments
Moral and religious codes of conduct
Torah
Written records and beliefs of the Jews
Vedas
Collection of four sacred books used in Hinduism