Religion is one of the driving forces of civilizations, which has inspired and guided people’s lives for thousands of years. Religions that people practice nowadays are not very different from the ones that were practiced millennia ago. For instance, the most well-recognized and ancient faiths of people in the Ancient civilizations involve Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity. These religions navigated people in the classical era, which is known for its quick growth and development of early civilizations.
The first religion, Buddhism, originated in approximately 600 BCE, with the main region influenced by this event being India. Such a big change that people faced involved ideas that were established by a man named Buddha. Therefore, after this turning point, people viewed life as a cycle of good and bad, which could be shifted by reaching enlightenment. Among the significant effects of this religion on the later eras might be the unification of certain regions on the basis of Buddhism. Today, the effects of this religion can be felt through sacred rituals and vows of silence, which are respected by Buddhism.
Another religion, Hinduism, was established in Indus Valley and permeated the region of India. At this point, people believed in reincarnation and karma, which was promoted by Hinduism. As for the impact of this religion on the following eras, it determined a specific caste of people, separating the high cast from less privileged people. This can still be felt today when a hierarchy persists to exist.
Finally, Christianity formed on the soil of Judea, ancient Palestine, with the main beliefs promoted by Jesus. The beliefs of Christianity are based on the teachings of Jesus Christ, who spread the knowledge about God. People who followed this religion believed in the two worlds after death, such as heaven and hell. The impact of this religion in the following eras involved the further spread of Christianity in other lands, forcing people to convert. Nowadays, Christianity is among the most practiced religions, with some countries giving power to the Church along with the government.
Hence, religions play an integral role in classical era due to its contribution to the development. For instance, Buddhism taught people about the good and bad aspects of life, focusing on enlightenment. Hinduism led to the formation of casts and promoted the concepts of karma and reincarnation. Lastly, Christianity followed the teachings of Jesus, focusing on heaven and hell, leading to mass conversion in later eras.