2.1 The Development and Codification of Religious and Cultural Traditions

Period 2 – Organization and Reorganization of Human Societies, c. 600 BCE to c. 600 CE

As states and empires increased in size, and contacts between regions multiplied, people transformed their religious and cultural systems. Religions and belief systems provided a social bond and an ethical code to live by. These shared beliefs also influenced and reinforced political, economic, and occupational stratification. Religious and political authority often merged as rulers (some of whom were considered divine) used religion, along with military and legal structures, to justify their rule and ensure its continuation. Religions and belief systems also generated conflict, partly because beliefs and practices varied greatly within and among societies.

Key Concept 2.1.II.B references Wudi in connection with Confucianism.

Key Concept 2.1.III has been reorganized to break the larger key concept information into smaller pieces under Key Concept 2.1.III.A and B (with no additional content added).

Illustrative examples, influence of Daoism on Chinese culture:

• Medical theories and practices
• Poetry w Metallurgy
• Architecture

Illustrative examples, art and architecture:

• Hindu art and architecture
• Buddhist art and architecture
• Christian art and architecture
• Greco–Roman art and architecture