Universal religions were only able to gain momentum because the Roman and Han Empires fell which meant there were no longer domineering influences on each side of the Silk Road. Without the political empires, came empires of the mind or in other words, these religions as people needed some kind of greater authority. For example Buddhism was able to spread because Monks travelled about, teaching Buddhist doctrine. Monks were only able to travel because of the infrastructure created with new technologies. Also, with a new book design, messages were passed more readily. Religion moved faster than any army and brought something new: cultural flexibility. By adapting to many different cultures, religion was accepted by more people that were diverse from one another. This led to large numbers of followers who would eventually unite together under their religion, not their tribe or background. These people came together under leaders who used religion a great deal to assert their authority.
-Eleanor Roosevelt
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During 300-800 CE, religion, especially Christianity and Buddhism were able to spread and provide a universal message to Eastern and Western Asia. The spread of religion helped fuse the two ends of the continent together, creating a trade route that would facilitate not only the spread of religion, but also culture and technology. The Silk Road played a major part in this. Religion had greater cultural flexibility, which allowed the different religions to re-shape itself depending on the environment it was placed in. Religion was also easier to travel because it did not require artillery like the military, or animals for trade. Its travel was light and fast, and helped form a universal religion.
ReplyDelete- Hatshepsut
I agree with Eleanor Roosevelt. Many people turned away from the political to figures towards leading religious figures during this time period. There is that possibility that that is what caused the collapse of Rome because people turned away from the political leaders and looked to the religious leaders. Religions spread through trade by way of the SIlk Road. As Eleanor said, religions changed to adapt to different cultures. One such religion was Buddhism which became quite similar to Daoism after becoming quite popular in China. Relgion became the main focus in peoples lives. Similar to how family was close to their heart, so was religion. People looked for salvation through religion especially when they were shown that they could achieve it in religious doctrines. Large groups of very different people were united by religion. Rulers adopted religions in order to have a common interest with their people. This way rulers could maintain their authority.
ReplyDelete-Queen Isabel