5 Paragraphs Aboot 5 Religions' Histories

Buddhism
Buddhism first appeared around 2500 years ago .The basis of Buddhism comes from the teachings of a man known as the Buddha. His teachings focus on finding a release from the cycle of reincarnation by achieving Nirvana. One can achieve Nirvana by accepting the 4 noble truths. After the death of the Buddha, Buddhism split into Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism. Buddhism became very popular in Asia after monks and missionaries traveled along the Silk Road.

Hinduism
Hinduism is in many ways the world's oldest religion. It originated around the Indus River and Pakistan. Hinduism has no original founder. Hindus believe in a single supreme god that resides in aspects in all of the other multiple Hindu gods.

Christianity
Christianity originated about 2000 years ago in Roman controlled Judea. The religion centers around the teachings of Jesus, the supposed son of God. Jesus was crucified and then was resurrected three days later, upon seeing this, his apostles devoted their lives to spreading the word of Jesus. Christianity got the biggest boost in followers after Paul began to convert the gentiles in Rome.

Zoroastrianism
Zoroastrianism was founded in Iran about 3500 years ago. The prophet Zoroaster created a belief system revolving around the battle of good and evil. It is one of the world's oldest monotheistic religions. Today it is one of the smallest world religions.

Judaism
Judaism originated in the Middle East, and was founded by Moses, but most Jews trace their Heritage all the way back to Abraham. Judaism follows the belief of one God. The Jews constantly await the coming of the savior, or the messiah. The Jews also follow a set of rules set by the holy book, the Talmud.
  
                                          And here's something to lighten the mood!

Rome: The City Of Art (and killing things for pleasure, but that's not important).

Ancient Rome was very different than what we see today. Buildings were fuller and extravagantly colored with mosaics and sculptures. Two prominent hills stood out among the plethora of houses and streets. The Capitoline Hill was the hill that supported the main temple of Jupiter, and was considered to be the city's center of religion. And the Palatine Hill which was a hill covered in places and even was the location of the emperor's palace. Outside of the hill, the Circus Maximus was built. this was where major parades and chariot races were held.
  During the reign of Nero, the Colosseum was used as a lake for Nero's palace. Afterwords, the Colosseum was filled and was once again used as a public entertainment building. This is where the famous gladiator fights were held. The Forum was a large open aired market in the center of the city. Away from the Forum there is a large flat area called the Fields of Mars. the is were the Pantheon is located. The Pantheon was a huge building that included the first dome used in a building.

Alexander The Great: Was He Really THAT Great?

Throughout ancient history, the Persians have been one of the most powerful empires in the Middle East. the had conquered Greece multiple times, and when Macedonia took over Greece, their views of Greece would soon change. Alexander the Great stormed his armies across Persia, destroying religious items and place in his path. From this point on the Persians have looked towards Alexander with distaste.
In the West, Alexander the Great is viewed as an unbelievable hero and amazing hero. But in Persian history, he is seen a little differently. In Persia, Alexander burned down Persepolis in a fit of drunken rage. The rest of his conquering of Persia was linked to his admiration towards Persia, and a little bit because of a Greek grudge towards Persia. During the time that Persia was conquered, it was on of the most powerful empires in the world and definitely one of the biggest. Since he destroyed much of their heritage and history, Persians see Alexander the Great as an evil man with no respect of peoples' homes or natural way of life. And (and this is a little off-topic) Persia did gain a little trust back from the Greeks after they helped the Spartans defeat the Athenians during the Peloponnesian war.

And have you ever wondered who would win in a fight, Attila the Hun or Alexander the Great?
                                                    Watch this video to see who wins!