World Religions in History

ORIGINS | BELIEFS | SYMBOLS | HISTORY

Learn about world religions with art

Clay statue of a Buddhist monk in traditional robes with a serene expression.

Buddhism

One of the world’s oldest religions, Buddhism originated in South Asia in the 5th century BCE

Intricate stone carving featuring ornate floral and geometric patterns, commonly found in Armenian khachkars.

Christianity

The largest religion in the world today, Christianity developed from the teachings of Jesus Christ

Close-up of an open book with pages folded into a heart shape, featuring decorative Arabic script and ornate borders.

Islam

One of the world’s major religions, Islam has more than 1.5 billion followers today

Mayan stone carving featuring intricate patterns and figures, including deities and serpents, in bas-relief style.

Mesoamerican beliefs

in the Americas

While not unified by a single religion, Mesoamerican cultures developed complex belief systems over thousands of years

Close-up of a bronze sculpture depicting a deity, likely Nataraja, surrounded by a ring of fire.

Hinduism

Another of the world’s oldest religions, Hinduism has more than 1 billion followers today

Close-up of an ancient artifact display, featuring a small dark stone or ceramic jar with engraved designs, a bronze menorah, and a shallow yellow dish, all on a purple velvet background.

Judaism

One of the world’s oldest major religions, Judaism is thought to originate as early as 2000 BCE

Intricately carved gold plate with ancient design displayed in a museum.

Ancient Andean beliefs

in the Americas

While not unified by a single religion, Ancient Andean cultures developed complex belief systems over thousands of years

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