World Religions Overview Quiz

A belief system focused on liberating the soul from the struggles of life, it developed gradually over a long time, and has no single founder.

Worship of one god.

Worship of many gods.

A belief that a single god is the creator and ruler of the universe.

A belief that denies the existence of any god(s).

Sacred literature of the Aryans, forming the foundation of Hinduism.

Collection of commentaries on the Vedas, exploring philosophical and spiritual concepts.

The ultimate goal in Hinduism - liberation from suffering and desires, reaching a state of perfect understanding.

The cycle of rebirth and death, where the soul re-enters the world in a new form.

Actions (good or bad) that determine a soul's destiny in future lives.

The divine order of the universe, guiding individuals to their rightful place and purpose.

The world soul or ultimate reality, considered the creator in Hinduism.

The creator god in Hinduism, part of the Trimurti.

The protector god in Hinduism, part of the Trimurti.

The destroyer god in Hinduism, part of the Trimurti.

The central event in Judaism, when the Hebrews escaped slavery in Egypt under the leadership of Moses.

Sacred literature of Judaism, comprising the first five books of the Hebrew Bible.

The weekly day of rest in Judaism, observed from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday.

Founder of Buddhism, born as Siddhartha Gautama.

Jesus was born to the Virgin Mary, a miracle that made him both human and divine.

Jesus was a skilled carpenter and studied the writings of Jewish prophets, preparing him for his future teachings.

At the age of 30, Jesus began traveling and preaching, gaining followers known as disciples.

People who follow a teacher or leader.

Jesus traveled to Jerusalem and was recognized as the 'King of the Jews', but this made the Romans fearful that he would lead an uprising.

Jesus was tried by Pontius Pilate and sentenced to death by crucifixion, a brutal punishment.

According to the Gospels, Jesus rose from the dead three days after his crucifixion, stayed on Earth for 40 days, and then ascended to heaven. This event is believed to prove that Jesus is the Messiah.

The central belief of Christianity, based on Jesus' resurrection, proving his divine nature and the power of God.

The sacred literature of Christianity, divided into the Old Testament (shared with Judaism) and the New Testament, which begins with the birth of Jesus.

The organization of the Christian Church, with priests conducting services, baptisms, and marriages. Bishops lead the Church in each city, and the Bishop of Rome holds the title of Pope.

The central belief in Christianity about the existence of one God in three persons: Father, Son (Jesus), and Holy Spirit.

A monotheistic religion founded by the Prophet Muhammad in the Arabian Peninsula around 600 CE.

The Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam, was born in Mecca in 570 CE and was raised by his uncle.

Muhammad became a successful merchant and married Khadija, a wealthy widow, starting a family.

At the age of 25, Muhammad heard the voice of the angel Gabriel, who told him that he was a prophet sent by God. This event marks the beginning of Islam.

A belief system focusing on respect for nature and honoring ancestors.

A period in Japanese history marked by the rise of powerful landowners, who accumulated wealth and built private armies.

A warrior class in feudal Japan, known for their rigorous training, moral code, and unwavering loyalty.

The code of conduct followed by samurai, emphasizing loyalty, honor, courage, and self-discipline.

A ritual suicide performed by samurai to maintain honor when facing defeat or disgrace.

A political and social system based on loyalty, land ownership, and military service, where lords grant land in exchange for service from their vassals.

A powerful military leader who ruled Japan during the Kamakura Shogunate.

The first caliph after Muhammad, his friend and father-in-law, who led the Muslim community during a period of rapid expansion.

The first four caliphs, who were chosen for their knowledge of Muhammad's teachings and their commitment to upholding Islamic principles.

The expansion of the Muslim empire under the first four caliphs, marked by significant victories and territorial gains.

The city and temple complex built by Khmer kings in Angkor, Cambodia, one of the largest religious monuments in the world.

A Korean dynasty that ruled from 935 to 1392, known for its centralized government and lasting cultural achievements.

A group of islands, also known as an archipelago.

The period in Japanese history when the Yamato clan gained influence and established its imperial lineage.

A period in Chinese history marked by the Yuan Dynasty established by Kublai Khan, lasting from 1279 to 1368, significant for unifying China, opening up trade, and tolerating Chinese culture.

The Mongol rulers of the Yuan Dynasty, favoring foreigners over Chinese subjects, encouraged foreign trade along the Silk Road.

A young Venetian trader who traveled extensively on the Silk Road, serving the Great Khan for 17 years, whose accounts of his travels are documented in "The Travels of Marco Polo."

The first ruler of the Ming Dynasty established after the overthrow of the Yuan Dynasty in 1368, renowned for his efforts to restore agriculture, promote Confucianism, and rebuild China's power and prosperity.

A Muslim admiral who led seven voyages of exploration under the Ming Dynasty, showcasing Chinese strength and influence, but whose voyages were abruptly stopped in 1433.

A policy adopted by the Ming Dynasty focusing on withdrawing from foreign interactions and minimizing contact with other nations, leading to China's economic isolation.

The vast empire established by Chandragupta Maurya around 300 BCE, encompassing northern India and parts of Afghanistan, known for its strong centralized government and significant cultural contributions.

The grandson of Chandragupta Maurya, who, after a period of harsh rule and conquests, embraced Buddhism and advocated nonviolence, leaving a lasting legacy through his proclamations inscribed on stone.

The period following Asoka's death in 232 BCE, witnessing the decline and disintegration of the Mauryan Empire, leading to a fragmented landscape of kingdoms across northern and central India.

An empire that emerged in India around 320 CE, founded by Chandra Gupta, known for its cultural achievements and considered a golden age of Hinduism.

The language of literature, science, and art during the Gupta Empire, showcasing its intellectual prowess and artistic contributions.

The gradual deterioration of the Gupta Empire, beginning with Hun invasions in the 5th century, ultimately leading to its downfall by 500 CE, resulting in a fragmented India once again.

A time period characterized by the Muslim invasion and establishment of rule in India from the 700s to the 1500s, significantly influencing Indian society and culture, despite the majority of the population remaining Hindu.

The fundamental differences between Hinduism and Islam, primarily concerning the existence of multiple gods and the concept of equality, leading to cultural tensions and resistance to integration.

A sultanate established in Delhi, lasting for over 300 years, known for its luxurious lifestyle funded by taxes on non-Muslims, but facing ongoing instability and eventually falling in 1526.

A descendant of Genghis Khan who led a Mongol invasion into India, conquering the Delhi Sultanate in 1526 and establishing the Mughal Empire, named after the Persian word for Mongol.

A program of centralization is a system of government designed to concentrate power in a central authority. In this context, it refers to the Qin Dynasty's efforts to unify China and establish a strong centralized government.

Qin Shi Huangdi, the first emperor of China, was known for his rigorous construction projects, many of which were built using forced labor from peasants. These projects included massive infrastructure initiatives like highways, irrigation systems, and the Great Wall of China.

The Great Wall of China, a massive defensive structure, was built over centuries by different dynasties, but it was Qin Shi Huangdi who ordered the consolidation of existing walls into a single, unified structure.

The Han Dynasty replaced the Qin Dynasty and ruled China for almost 400 years before eventually collapsing.

The Grand Canal, a vital waterway connecting the Yellow and Yangtze Rivers, was a significant achievement of the Sui Dynasty.

Tang Taizong ruled the Tang Dynasty for a significant period, earning recognition as the greatest Tang emperor.

Empress Wu, the only woman to ever rule China, gained power after her husband's death and led the Tang Dynasty from 683-705.

The Song Dynasty ruled China for roughly 300 years, facing military challenges but experiencing significant economic growth, marking an era of prosperity and innovation.

The Tang and Song Dynasties witnessed a period of intense growth in China, making it the most populous and advanced country in the world during that time.

Advances in farming, specifically improved rice cultivation, contributed significantly to the rapid population growth during the Tang and Song Dynasties.

During the Tang and Song Dynasties, China produced a number of essential innovations, including movable type printing, the compass, gunpowder, porcelain, the mechanical clock, and paper money.

The Gentry is a wealthy and powerful upper class in Chinese society, primarily gaining status through education and civil service positions.

During the Tang and Song Dynasties, Chinese society had a hierarchical structure with the gentry at the top, followed by the urban middle class, working class, and peasants at the bottom.

The status of women in Chinese society declined during the Tang Dynasty, marked by the emergence of footbinding, a tradition that lasted until the 20th century.

The Mongol conquests dramatically changed the landscape of Asia and Europe, solidifying the Mongol Empire's power and influence.

A Steppe is a large area of flat, unforested grassland found in southeastern Europe and Siberia. The Eastern Steppe served as the historical home of the Mongols.

Pastoralists are people who primarily live by herding domesticated animals. This was the traditional lifestyle of the Mongol people in the Steppe.

Genghis Khan, born Temujin, was a Mongol clan leader who united different Mongol tribes and established the Mongol Empire.

Genghis Khan's success can be largely attributed to his organizational skills, strategic mindset, and willingness to adopt new weapons and technologies.

The Mongol Empire, established by Genghis Khan, controlled a vast area of Eurasia during the 13th and 14th centuries, imposing law and stability across the region.

Kublai Khan, a grandson of Genghis Khan, became the Great Khan in 1260, ruling the Mongol Empire, which had split into four khanates.

The first Muslim dynasty in the Arab Empire (661-750 AD). They faced challenges like adapting to ruling diverse lands and dealing with economic and religious tensions.

The second Muslim dynasty in the Arab Empire (750-1258 AD). They helped spread Islam globally and are known for the 'Islamic Golden Age.' Under their rule, Baghdad flourished as a center of learning, trade, and culture.

A group of Muslim mystics who focus on spiritual connection with God through meditation, fasting, and other rituals.

A slender tower on a mosque, often used for calling people to prayer.

A complex design made with curved lines that resemble floral patterns, commonly used in Islamic art.

A respected Muslim philosopher known for emphasizing reason in understanding knowledge.

A prominent Muslim mathematician who is considered a pioneer in the study of algebra.

A highly influential Muslim doctor who made remarkable contributions to medicine and public health.

A massive encyclopedia on medical diagnosis and treatment, written by Ibn Sina, a key source for medieval European medicine.

A term used by Muslims to refer to Jews and Christians, recognizing their shared monotheistic beliefs and scriptures.

Muslims believe that Islam is God's final and complete revelation, while previous faiths like Judaism and Christianity had valuable truth, but were incomplete.

This practice involves veiling women and keeping them separate from public spaces, which became prominent as Arab culture interacted with non-Arab societies.

The practice of using reason and logic to test and understand knowledge, a key method of Islamic scholarship.

The belief held by Shia Muslims that the caliph should be a descendant of Muhammad's daughter and son-in-law, specifically Ali and Fatima.

The decline of the Abbasid dynasty (850 AD onwards) led to fragmentation and instability in the Arab Empire, as new dynasties emerged and competing powers took over.