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3.3 Belief Systems of Land-Based Empires

8 min readjanuary 3, 2023

Evan Liddle

Evan Liddle

Riya Patel

Riya Patel

Evan Liddle

Evan Liddle

Riya Patel

Riya Patel

One notable feature about these empires is that a number of them were the catalyst, if not outright cause, of several new or modified religious movements. These changes were sometimes used or supported by rulers, often to enhance their prestige.

🎥Watch: WHAP - Religion in Early Modern Empires

👉 Try using a study timer like the one in Fiveable rooms to maximize your efficiency when preparing for the exam!

There have been many land-based empires throughout history, each with its own set of belief systems and cultural practices. Some examples of belief systems that were held by land-based empires include:

  1. : This was the dominant religion in the Indian subcontinent and was the belief system of several land-based empires in India, including the (321-185 BC) and the (1526-1857). is a polytheistic religion that believes in a cycle of reincarnation and the ultimate goal of achieving moksha, or spiritual liberation.

  2. : This belief system originated in ancient India and was the dominant religion in several land-based empires in Asia, including the (321-185 BC) and the (618-841). teaches the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path as a means to end suffering and achieve enlightenment.

  3. : This monotheistic religion originated in the Arabian Peninsula and was the belief system of several land-based empires, including the (661-750) and the (1299-1922). teaches the belief in one God and the importance of following the Five Pillars of .

  4. : This monotheistic religion originated in the Middle East and was the belief system of several land-based empires, including the (330-1453) and the (962-1806). teaches the belief in one God and the importance of following the teachings of Jesus Christ.

  5. : This ethical and philosophical system originated in ancient China and was the belief system of the (1644-1912), the last imperial dynasty of China. emphasizes the importance of social harmony, filial piety, and the respect for authority and tradition.

Religious Movements

The Protestant Reformation

In Europe, the newly created Protestant movement within , which opposed the Catholic Church in Rome, found strong supporters in Northern Europe and in parts of France. Rulers such as in France or promoted or tolerated Protestant ideas that might have otherwise been crushed by the and , which received support from Catholic monarchs. But like their Catholic counterparts, Protestant monarchs used the newly formed Protestant churches to break away from the church in Rome and seize its property.

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F95%20theses.PNG?alt=media&token=fee0383f-1488-48e5-a33c-65f198ddc84c

Martin Luther and reformers in other parts of the world often contested the authority of existing religious structures and sometimes sought to build new religious orders. Empires tried to use religion to reinforce authority, but this did not always go smoothly. Image Courtesy of thegospelcoalitio

What Was The Protestant Reformation?

The was a major 16th-century European movement that sought to reform the Roman Catholic Church. It was led by , a German monk and theologian, who challenged the authority of the Pope and the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. Luther's ideas, which were based on the belief that people could be saved through faith alone and not through good works or the Church's sacraments, were controversial and led to a split within the Church. The had far-reaching consequences, and it led to the creation of Protestant churches, such as the , the , and the . The also had a profound impact on European society, and it contributed to the development of the modern nation-state and the democratization of Europe.

Who Was Martin Luther?

was a German monk and theologian who is known for his role in the , a 16th-century movement that sought to reform the Roman Catholic Church. In 1517, Luther published the "," which were a list of criticisms of the Church's practices, particularly the sale of indulgences. The "" sparked a debate within the Church that eventually led to a split between Protestant and Roman Catholic Christians.

Luther's ideas, which were based on the belief that people could be saved through faith alone and not through good works or the Church's sacraments, were controversial and challenged the authority of the Pope. He translated the Bible into German, making it more widely available to the general public, and he advocated for reforms in the Church, including the use of vernacular languages in worship and the elimination of the sale of indulgences.

The had far-reaching consequences, and it led to the creation of Protestant churches, such as the , the , and the . The also had a profound impact on European society, and it contributed to the development of the modern nation-state and the democratization of Europe.

South Asian Empires

In South Asia, the represented a much deeper connection between and than had previously existed. True, Muslims had been in South Asia since the beginning of , but now a Muslim power controlled almost the entire continent. These deeper interactions between the ruling faith and the majority faith led to, and were a result of, popular religious movements such as and the .

What is the Mughal Empire?

The was an imperial power in South Asia from the early 16th to the mid-19th century. It was established and ruled by a Muslim dynasty of Chaghatai Turco-Mongol origin, who claimed direct descent from both Timur, the Turco-Mongol conqueror, and Genghis Khan, through his son Chaghatai Khan. The was marked by a period of economic, cultural, and architectural prosperity, and is considered one of the greatest empires in the history of India. At its peak, the spanned much of the Indian subcontinent, including modern-day India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and parts of Afghanistan. The Mughal emperors were known for their cultural achievements and their support for the arts, and their rule had a profound and lasting impact on the development of South Asia.

What is Sufism?

is a mystical Islamic belief system, with its own set of rituals, beliefs, and practices. It seeks to achieve a greater understanding of and a closer relationship with God through prayer, meditation, and the pursuit of spiritual truth. has a long history, dating back to the early days of , and it has played an important role in the development of the religion. Sufis follow a spiritual leader, or shaikh, and often live and worship in communities called "orders" or "brotherhoods." emphasizes the importance of personal experience and individual approach to understanding God, rather than relying solely on scriptural study. It has had a significant influence on Islamic culture and has produced many influential scholars and mystics over the centuries.

What is the Bhakti Movement?

The was a spiritual and social movement that originated in ancient India and spread throughout the Indian subcontinent. It was based on the belief in the power of devotion to a personal god or deity as a means of achieving spiritual liberation. The emphasized the importance of an emotional and personal relationship with God, and it rejected the more formal, ritualistic aspects of traditional . The was influential in the spread of and had a significant impact on the development of Indian music and literature. It also contributed to the development of Hindu-Muslim relations and played a role in the social and cultural changes that occurred in India during this period.

Additionally, a brand new syncretic religion known as emerged in northern South Asia, containing many elements of (monotheism) and (reincarnation and karma). It is not an accident that emerged in northern South Asia where Islamic-Hindu contacts were strongest.

What is Sikhism?

is a monotheistic religion founded in the 15th century in the Punjab region of India. It is the fifth-largest religion in the world, with over 27 million followers. The central belief of is the existence of one eternal God, who is the same for all people and all religions. emphasizes the equality of all people and rejects the caste system that is a part of . The core beliefs of are contained in the , the holy scripture of the Sikh religion, which is considered the eternal, living guru of the Sikhs. also emphasizes the importance of performing good deeds and living a disciplined, honest, and compassionate life. The faith is known for its strong emphasis on social justice and its commitment to serving the poor and marginalized members of society.

(A note: historians and the AP World Exam use the term syncretic to describe as a combination of and . However, many Sikhs do not describe their religion as only syncretic; and, all religions are syncretic in some ways) 

🎥Watch: WHAP - Changing Religions from 1450-1750

Sunni-Shia Split

In the broader Islamic World, the political competition between the and over territory and trade intensified the division between Sunni and Shia Muslims. The occurred around 700 CE, long before either empire, but the conflict between them intensified, especially considering the Ottoman Sultan claimed the title of Caliph, leader of the Muslim world, and the Safavid Shahs also claimed divine connection via the Imams (leaders) of the Shia community. 

In the Americas, both the Aztec and Inca Empires continued earlier religious traditions that had developed in those regions. The Aztec religious pantheon included several and the Aztecs used the Mayan script as well. The Incas continued the religious practices of the who came before them (and the Chavin before them influenced the ), specifically that of worshipping the sun and moon, though in the tradition the moon was more powerful. Both the Aztecs and Incas practiced human sacrifice, as did almost every Pre-1492 American Culture before them, though the Aztecs in particular practiced it to a much greater degree.

Key Terms to Review (34)

Albert Duke of Prussia

: Albert Duke of Prussia was the last Grand Master of the Teutonic Knights, who converted to Lutheranism and secularized his territories into the Duchy of Prussia during the Protestant Reformation in 1525.

Anglican Church

: The Anglican Church or Church of England is a Western Christian tradition that evolved out of the practices, liturgy and identity of the Church of England following the English Reformation.

Aztec Empire

: The Aztec Empire was a Mesoamerican civilization that existed from 1345 to 1521 in what is now central Mexico. They're known for their rich mythology, impressive architecture, and complex social structure.

Bhakti Movement

: The Bhakti Movement was a development in medieval India that emphasized love and devotion towards Hindu deities as a means to attain salvation.

Buddhism

: Buddhism is a nontheistic religion or philosophy that encompasses a variety of traditions, beliefs and spiritual practices largely based on teachings attributed to Gautama Buddha. It emphasizes personal spiritual development, mindfulness, and understanding the true nature of life.

Byzantine Empire

: The Byzantine Empire, also known as the Eastern Roman Empire, was a continuation of the Roman Empire in its eastern provinces during Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages. It existed from 330 to 1453 AD.

Calvinist Church

: The Calvinist Church, also known as Reformed Christianity, is a major branch of Protestantism that follows the theological tradition and forms of Christian practice set down by John Calvin and other Reformation-era theologians.

Catholic Counter-Reformation

: The Catholic Counter-Reformation was an internal reform within the Catholic Church in response to the Protestant Reformation during the mid-16th century. It aimed at clarifying doctrine, correcting abuses and corruption, restoring piety, and improving education for clergy.

Christianity

: Christianity is a monotheistic religion based on the teachings of Jesus Christ as presented in the New Testament of the Bible. It emphasizes concepts such as love for all people, forgiveness of sins through faith in Jesus Christ, and eternal life after death.

Confucianism

: Confucianism is a system of philosophical and ethical teachings founded by Confucius. It emphasizes personal and governmental morality, correctness of social relationships, justice, kindness, and sincerity.

Guru Granth Sahib

: The Guru Granth Sahib is the central religious scripture of Sikhism, regarded by Sikhs as the final, sovereign, and eternal living guru following the lineage of the ten human Gurus of the religion.

Henry IV

: Henry IV was King of France from 1589 to 1610. He is best known for issuing the Edict of Nantes, which granted religious freedom to Protestants.

Hinduism

: Hinduism is an ancient religion originating from South Asia (modern-day India) around 1500 BCE. It encompasses diverse beliefs but generally recognizes multiple gods and goddesses, karma, reincarnation, and pursuit of spiritual enlightenment.

Holy Roman Empire

: A multi-ethnic complex of territories in Western and Central Europe that developed during the Early Middle Ages and continued until its dissolution in 1806 during the Napoleonic Wars.

Inca Empire

: The Inca Empire was a vast political entity that existed in western South America from the 15th to the 16th century. It was the largest empire in pre-Columbian America.

Inquisition

: The Inquisition was a group of institutions within the Catholic Church tasked with identifying, suppressing and punishing heresy since the 12th century. It's most infamous phase was during Spanish Inquisition in late 15th century.

Islam

: Islam is a monotheistic religion that originated in the 7th century CE in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It was founded by Prophet Muhammad and its followers are called Muslims. The teachings of Islam are based on the Quran, which Muslims believe to be the word of God.

Lutheran Church

: The collection of Protestant denominations rooted in the teachings of Martin Luther. It was one of the first Protestant branches to emerge from the Reformation.

Martin Luther

: Martin Luther was a German theologian and monk in the 16th century who initiated the Protestant Reformation. He challenged the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, particularly on indulgences, penance, and papal authority.

Maurya Empire

: The Maurya Empire was an ancient Indian empire founded by Chandragupta Maurya around 322 BCE. It was known for its military might and extensive administrative network.

Mayan Deities

: The gods and goddesses worshipped by the ancient Mayan civilization, each of whom had a specific domain or aspect of life they were responsible for.

Moche

: An ancient Andean society that existed in present-day Peru from about 100 to 800 AD known for its sophisticated pottery, monumental architecture, and complex social organization.

Mughal Empire

: The Mughal Empire was an Islamic empire that ruled most of India from 1526 to 1857, known for its rich culture, architectural achievements like Taj Mahal, and administrative efficiency.

Ninety-Five Theses

: A list of propositions for an academic disputation written in 1517 by Martin Luther that criticized indulgences and other practices within the Catholic Church. It is widely regarded as sparking the Protestant Reformation.

Ottoman Empire

: The Ottoman Empire was a state that controlled much of Southeastern Europe, Western Asia, and Northern Africa between the 14th and early 20th centuries. It was founded at the end of the 13th century in northwestern Anatolia by Osman I.

Ottomans

: The Ottomans were a historical group that founded and controlled the Ottoman Empire, a state that existed from 1299 to 1922 and spanned parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Protestant Reformation

: The Protestant Reformation was a major 16th century European movement aimed initially at reforming the beliefs and practices of the Roman Catholic Church. Its religious aspects were supplemented by ambitious political rulers who wanted to extend their power and control at the expense of the Church.

Qing Dynasty

: The Qing Dynasty, also known as the Manchu Dynasty, was the last imperial dynasty of China, ruling from 1644 to 1912. It was characterized by its powerful bureaucracy and emphasis on Confucian principles.

Safavids

: The Safavids were a significant dynasty that ruled Persia (modern-day Iran) from 1501 to 1736. They established the Twelver school of Shia Islam as the official religion of their empire, marking one of the most important turning points in Muslim history.

Sikhism

: Sikhism is a monotheistic religion founded in Punjab in the 15th century by Guru Nanak. It emphasizes faith, meditation on God's name, truthful living, and community service.

Sufism

: Sufism is a mystical Islamic belief system in which followers seek to find the truth of divine love and knowledge through direct personal experience with God.

Sunni-Shia Split

: The Sunni-Shia split refers to a political and theological divide in Islam that occurred after Prophet Muhammad's death over who should lead Muslims as Caliph (spiritual leader).

Tibetan Empire

: The Tibetan Empire was an ancient civilization that existed from 618-842 CE in what is now Tibet. It was known for its military prowess and significant influence on surrounding regions including China and Central Asia.

Umayyad Caliphate

: The Umayyad Caliphate was the second of the four major caliphates established after the death of Muhammad. It ruled from 661 to 750 AD, and its territory extended across North Africa, Spain, Persia, and India.

3.3 Belief Systems of Land-Based Empires

8 min readjanuary 3, 2023

Evan Liddle

Evan Liddle

Riya Patel

Riya Patel

Evan Liddle

Evan Liddle

Riya Patel

Riya Patel

One notable feature about these empires is that a number of them were the catalyst, if not outright cause, of several new or modified religious movements. These changes were sometimes used or supported by rulers, often to enhance their prestige.

🎥Watch: WHAP - Religion in Early Modern Empires

👉 Try using a study timer like the one in Fiveable rooms to maximize your efficiency when preparing for the exam!

There have been many land-based empires throughout history, each with its own set of belief systems and cultural practices. Some examples of belief systems that were held by land-based empires include:

  1. : This was the dominant religion in the Indian subcontinent and was the belief system of several land-based empires in India, including the (321-185 BC) and the (1526-1857). is a polytheistic religion that believes in a cycle of reincarnation and the ultimate goal of achieving moksha, or spiritual liberation.

  2. : This belief system originated in ancient India and was the dominant religion in several land-based empires in Asia, including the (321-185 BC) and the (618-841). teaches the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path as a means to end suffering and achieve enlightenment.

  3. : This monotheistic religion originated in the Arabian Peninsula and was the belief system of several land-based empires, including the (661-750) and the (1299-1922). teaches the belief in one God and the importance of following the Five Pillars of .

  4. : This monotheistic religion originated in the Middle East and was the belief system of several land-based empires, including the (330-1453) and the (962-1806). teaches the belief in one God and the importance of following the teachings of Jesus Christ.

  5. : This ethical and philosophical system originated in ancient China and was the belief system of the (1644-1912), the last imperial dynasty of China. emphasizes the importance of social harmony, filial piety, and the respect for authority and tradition.

Religious Movements

The Protestant Reformation

In Europe, the newly created Protestant movement within , which opposed the Catholic Church in Rome, found strong supporters in Northern Europe and in parts of France. Rulers such as in France or promoted or tolerated Protestant ideas that might have otherwise been crushed by the and , which received support from Catholic monarchs. But like their Catholic counterparts, Protestant monarchs used the newly formed Protestant churches to break away from the church in Rome and seize its property.

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F95%20theses.PNG?alt=media&token=fee0383f-1488-48e5-a33c-65f198ddc84c

Martin Luther and reformers in other parts of the world often contested the authority of existing religious structures and sometimes sought to build new religious orders. Empires tried to use religion to reinforce authority, but this did not always go smoothly. Image Courtesy of thegospelcoalitio

What Was The Protestant Reformation?

The was a major 16th-century European movement that sought to reform the Roman Catholic Church. It was led by , a German monk and theologian, who challenged the authority of the Pope and the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. Luther's ideas, which were based on the belief that people could be saved through faith alone and not through good works or the Church's sacraments, were controversial and led to a split within the Church. The had far-reaching consequences, and it led to the creation of Protestant churches, such as the , the , and the . The also had a profound impact on European society, and it contributed to the development of the modern nation-state and the democratization of Europe.

Who Was Martin Luther?

was a German monk and theologian who is known for his role in the , a 16th-century movement that sought to reform the Roman Catholic Church. In 1517, Luther published the "," which were a list of criticisms of the Church's practices, particularly the sale of indulgences. The "" sparked a debate within the Church that eventually led to a split between Protestant and Roman Catholic Christians.

Luther's ideas, which were based on the belief that people could be saved through faith alone and not through good works or the Church's sacraments, were controversial and challenged the authority of the Pope. He translated the Bible into German, making it more widely available to the general public, and he advocated for reforms in the Church, including the use of vernacular languages in worship and the elimination of the sale of indulgences.

The had far-reaching consequences, and it led to the creation of Protestant churches, such as the , the , and the . The also had a profound impact on European society, and it contributed to the development of the modern nation-state and the democratization of Europe.

South Asian Empires

In South Asia, the represented a much deeper connection between and than had previously existed. True, Muslims had been in South Asia since the beginning of , but now a Muslim power controlled almost the entire continent. These deeper interactions between the ruling faith and the majority faith led to, and were a result of, popular religious movements such as and the .

What is the Mughal Empire?

The was an imperial power in South Asia from the early 16th to the mid-19th century. It was established and ruled by a Muslim dynasty of Chaghatai Turco-Mongol origin, who claimed direct descent from both Timur, the Turco-Mongol conqueror, and Genghis Khan, through his son Chaghatai Khan. The was marked by a period of economic, cultural, and architectural prosperity, and is considered one of the greatest empires in the history of India. At its peak, the spanned much of the Indian subcontinent, including modern-day India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and parts of Afghanistan. The Mughal emperors were known for their cultural achievements and their support for the arts, and their rule had a profound and lasting impact on the development of South Asia.

What is Sufism?

is a mystical Islamic belief system, with its own set of rituals, beliefs, and practices. It seeks to achieve a greater understanding of and a closer relationship with God through prayer, meditation, and the pursuit of spiritual truth. has a long history, dating back to the early days of , and it has played an important role in the development of the religion. Sufis follow a spiritual leader, or shaikh, and often live and worship in communities called "orders" or "brotherhoods." emphasizes the importance of personal experience and individual approach to understanding God, rather than relying solely on scriptural study. It has had a significant influence on Islamic culture and has produced many influential scholars and mystics over the centuries.

What is the Bhakti Movement?

The was a spiritual and social movement that originated in ancient India and spread throughout the Indian subcontinent. It was based on the belief in the power of devotion to a personal god or deity as a means of achieving spiritual liberation. The emphasized the importance of an emotional and personal relationship with God, and it rejected the more formal, ritualistic aspects of traditional . The was influential in the spread of and had a significant impact on the development of Indian music and literature. It also contributed to the development of Hindu-Muslim relations and played a role in the social and cultural changes that occurred in India during this period.

Additionally, a brand new syncretic religion known as emerged in northern South Asia, containing many elements of (monotheism) and (reincarnation and karma). It is not an accident that emerged in northern South Asia where Islamic-Hindu contacts were strongest.

What is Sikhism?

is a monotheistic religion founded in the 15th century in the Punjab region of India. It is the fifth-largest religion in the world, with over 27 million followers. The central belief of is the existence of one eternal God, who is the same for all people and all religions. emphasizes the equality of all people and rejects the caste system that is a part of . The core beliefs of are contained in the , the holy scripture of the Sikh religion, which is considered the eternal, living guru of the Sikhs. also emphasizes the importance of performing good deeds and living a disciplined, honest, and compassionate life. The faith is known for its strong emphasis on social justice and its commitment to serving the poor and marginalized members of society.

(A note: historians and the AP World Exam use the term syncretic to describe as a combination of and . However, many Sikhs do not describe their religion as only syncretic; and, all religions are syncretic in some ways) 

🎥Watch: WHAP - Changing Religions from 1450-1750

Sunni-Shia Split

In the broader Islamic World, the political competition between the and over territory and trade intensified the division between Sunni and Shia Muslims. The occurred around 700 CE, long before either empire, but the conflict between them intensified, especially considering the Ottoman Sultan claimed the title of Caliph, leader of the Muslim world, and the Safavid Shahs also claimed divine connection via the Imams (leaders) of the Shia community. 

In the Americas, both the Aztec and Inca Empires continued earlier religious traditions that had developed in those regions. The Aztec religious pantheon included several and the Aztecs used the Mayan script as well. The Incas continued the religious practices of the who came before them (and the Chavin before them influenced the ), specifically that of worshipping the sun and moon, though in the tradition the moon was more powerful. Both the Aztecs and Incas practiced human sacrifice, as did almost every Pre-1492 American Culture before them, though the Aztecs in particular practiced it to a much greater degree.

Key Terms to Review (34)

Albert Duke of Prussia

: Albert Duke of Prussia was the last Grand Master of the Teutonic Knights, who converted to Lutheranism and secularized his territories into the Duchy of Prussia during the Protestant Reformation in 1525.

Anglican Church

: The Anglican Church or Church of England is a Western Christian tradition that evolved out of the practices, liturgy and identity of the Church of England following the English Reformation.

Aztec Empire

: The Aztec Empire was a Mesoamerican civilization that existed from 1345 to 1521 in what is now central Mexico. They're known for their rich mythology, impressive architecture, and complex social structure.

Bhakti Movement

: The Bhakti Movement was a development in medieval India that emphasized love and devotion towards Hindu deities as a means to attain salvation.

Buddhism

: Buddhism is a nontheistic religion or philosophy that encompasses a variety of traditions, beliefs and spiritual practices largely based on teachings attributed to Gautama Buddha. It emphasizes personal spiritual development, mindfulness, and understanding the true nature of life.

Byzantine Empire

: The Byzantine Empire, also known as the Eastern Roman Empire, was a continuation of the Roman Empire in its eastern provinces during Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages. It existed from 330 to 1453 AD.

Calvinist Church

: The Calvinist Church, also known as Reformed Christianity, is a major branch of Protestantism that follows the theological tradition and forms of Christian practice set down by John Calvin and other Reformation-era theologians.

Catholic Counter-Reformation

: The Catholic Counter-Reformation was an internal reform within the Catholic Church in response to the Protestant Reformation during the mid-16th century. It aimed at clarifying doctrine, correcting abuses and corruption, restoring piety, and improving education for clergy.

Christianity

: Christianity is a monotheistic religion based on the teachings of Jesus Christ as presented in the New Testament of the Bible. It emphasizes concepts such as love for all people, forgiveness of sins through faith in Jesus Christ, and eternal life after death.

Confucianism

: Confucianism is a system of philosophical and ethical teachings founded by Confucius. It emphasizes personal and governmental morality, correctness of social relationships, justice, kindness, and sincerity.

Guru Granth Sahib

: The Guru Granth Sahib is the central religious scripture of Sikhism, regarded by Sikhs as the final, sovereign, and eternal living guru following the lineage of the ten human Gurus of the religion.

Henry IV

: Henry IV was King of France from 1589 to 1610. He is best known for issuing the Edict of Nantes, which granted religious freedom to Protestants.

Hinduism

: Hinduism is an ancient religion originating from South Asia (modern-day India) around 1500 BCE. It encompasses diverse beliefs but generally recognizes multiple gods and goddesses, karma, reincarnation, and pursuit of spiritual enlightenment.

Holy Roman Empire

: A multi-ethnic complex of territories in Western and Central Europe that developed during the Early Middle Ages and continued until its dissolution in 1806 during the Napoleonic Wars.

Inca Empire

: The Inca Empire was a vast political entity that existed in western South America from the 15th to the 16th century. It was the largest empire in pre-Columbian America.

Inquisition

: The Inquisition was a group of institutions within the Catholic Church tasked with identifying, suppressing and punishing heresy since the 12th century. It's most infamous phase was during Spanish Inquisition in late 15th century.

Islam

: Islam is a monotheistic religion that originated in the 7th century CE in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It was founded by Prophet Muhammad and its followers are called Muslims. The teachings of Islam are based on the Quran, which Muslims believe to be the word of God.

Lutheran Church

: The collection of Protestant denominations rooted in the teachings of Martin Luther. It was one of the first Protestant branches to emerge from the Reformation.

Martin Luther

: Martin Luther was a German theologian and monk in the 16th century who initiated the Protestant Reformation. He challenged the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, particularly on indulgences, penance, and papal authority.

Maurya Empire

: The Maurya Empire was an ancient Indian empire founded by Chandragupta Maurya around 322 BCE. It was known for its military might and extensive administrative network.

Mayan Deities

: The gods and goddesses worshipped by the ancient Mayan civilization, each of whom had a specific domain or aspect of life they were responsible for.

Moche

: An ancient Andean society that existed in present-day Peru from about 100 to 800 AD known for its sophisticated pottery, monumental architecture, and complex social organization.

Mughal Empire

: The Mughal Empire was an Islamic empire that ruled most of India from 1526 to 1857, known for its rich culture, architectural achievements like Taj Mahal, and administrative efficiency.

Ninety-Five Theses

: A list of propositions for an academic disputation written in 1517 by Martin Luther that criticized indulgences and other practices within the Catholic Church. It is widely regarded as sparking the Protestant Reformation.

Ottoman Empire

: The Ottoman Empire was a state that controlled much of Southeastern Europe, Western Asia, and Northern Africa between the 14th and early 20th centuries. It was founded at the end of the 13th century in northwestern Anatolia by Osman I.

Ottomans

: The Ottomans were a historical group that founded and controlled the Ottoman Empire, a state that existed from 1299 to 1922 and spanned parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Protestant Reformation

: The Protestant Reformation was a major 16th century European movement aimed initially at reforming the beliefs and practices of the Roman Catholic Church. Its religious aspects were supplemented by ambitious political rulers who wanted to extend their power and control at the expense of the Church.

Qing Dynasty

: The Qing Dynasty, also known as the Manchu Dynasty, was the last imperial dynasty of China, ruling from 1644 to 1912. It was characterized by its powerful bureaucracy and emphasis on Confucian principles.

Safavids

: The Safavids were a significant dynasty that ruled Persia (modern-day Iran) from 1501 to 1736. They established the Twelver school of Shia Islam as the official religion of their empire, marking one of the most important turning points in Muslim history.

Sikhism

: Sikhism is a monotheistic religion founded in Punjab in the 15th century by Guru Nanak. It emphasizes faith, meditation on God's name, truthful living, and community service.

Sufism

: Sufism is a mystical Islamic belief system in which followers seek to find the truth of divine love and knowledge through direct personal experience with God.

Sunni-Shia Split

: The Sunni-Shia split refers to a political and theological divide in Islam that occurred after Prophet Muhammad's death over who should lead Muslims as Caliph (spiritual leader).

Tibetan Empire

: The Tibetan Empire was an ancient civilization that existed from 618-842 CE in what is now Tibet. It was known for its military prowess and significant influence on surrounding regions including China and Central Asia.

Umayyad Caliphate

: The Umayyad Caliphate was the second of the four major caliphates established after the death of Muhammad. It ruled from 661 to 750 AD, and its territory extended across North Africa, Spain, Persia, and India.


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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.