Module 1: Religion and Empires

Image of map overlaid with religious images.

From 1500 A.D. to the present, there have been five major world religions that are distinct in their major beliefs, their holy books, and where the majority of their believers lived and currently live. In this module, you will learn the individual characteristics and common factors in each of these religions. Also, you will identify the major states and empires in existence around 1500 A.D., and examine what trading patterns developed with particular attention to geography.

Pre-Assessment

Before you learn about the major states and empires in existence around 1500 A.D., see how well you can identify the continents and oceans of the world in this activity. Use the map provided to locate each of the important geographic features or continents, and then enter the appropriate number into the blank and click Submit. Click the player to get started.


Key Vocabulary

To view the definitions for these key vocabulary terms, visit the course glossary.

Abraham Jesus Persia
Asoka Judaism Qur’an (Koran)
Aztec Empire karma reincarnation
Buddhism Koran (Qur’an) Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha)
caste system Mecca Songhai Empire
Christianity Medina Ten Commandments
Eightfold Path to Enlightenment monotheism Torah
Five Pillars of Islam Mughal India trade pattern
Four Noble Truths Muhammad, the prophet Vedas
Hinduism New Testament  
Incan Empire nirvana  
Islam Ottoman Empire