Historical Timeline
Chronological view of wisdom traditions from 3000 BCE to present
This timeline shows the emergence, development, and interaction of wisdom traditions throughout human history. Explore how spiritual and philosophical systems emerged, influenced each other, and evolved across millennia.
Ancient Period (3000 BCE - 500 BCE)
3000-1500 BCE: Vedic Hinduism
Composition of the Vedas in India. Development of early Hindu philosophy, rituals, and cosmology.
1200 BCE: Zoroastrianism Emerges
Zoroaster teaches dualism in ancient Persia. Influences later monotheistic religions.
800-500 BCE: Upanishadic Period
Composition of Upanishads in India. Vedantic philosophy develops exploring Brahman and Atman.
600-500 BCE: Axial Age Thinkers
Laozi and Confucius teach in China. Zoroaster in Persia. This period sees simultaneous emergence of profound philosophical systems globally.
500 BCE: Buddhist Era Begins
Gautama Buddha achieved enlightenment and taught dharma in India. Buddhism emerges as major spiritual path.
Classical Period (500 BCE - 500 CE)
500-300 BCE: Golden Age of Greek Philosophy
Socrates, Plato, Aristotle develop Western philosophy. Stoicism founded. Foundation of Western intellectual tradition.
268-232 BCE: Emperor Ashoka
Mauryan emperor converts to Buddhism and spreads it throughout Asia. Builds monasteries and stupas. Major turning point for Buddhism.
30 CE: Jesus & Christianity
Jesus teaches in Palestine. Christianity emerges and begins spreading through Mediterranean world.
1st-2nd Century: Mahayana Buddhism Develops
Mahayana Buddhism emerges in India and spreads to East Asia. Expands Buddha concept to bodhisattvas and Buddha-nature.
2nd-3rd Century: Philosophical Development
Nagarjuna develops Madhyamaka Buddhism. Plotinus founds Neoplatonism in Rome. Church Fathers develop Christian theology.
Medieval Period (500 - 1500 CE)
500-600 CE: Bodhidharma & Zen Buddhism
Bodhidharma transmits meditation-focused Buddhism to China. Zen/Chan Buddhism develops, emphasizing direct experience.
610 CE: Islam Founded
Muhammad receives revelation in Arabia. Islam emerges and rapidly spreads across Middle East, North Africa, and beyond.
788-820: Adi Shankara
Adi Shankara revitalizes Hindu philosophy. Establishes Advaita Vedanta and four cardinal monasteries. Major Hindu philosophical development.
8th-12th Century: Sufism Develops
Islamic mysticism (Sufism) emerges. Al-Ghazali synthesizes Sufism with Islamic law. Mystical poetry becomes central.
1207-1273: Rumi
Rumi teaches mystical love and union with divine. Founds Mevlevi order. His poetry becomes widely beloved across cultures.
Modern Period (1500 - 1900)
1469: Guru Nanak & Sikhism
Guru Nanak founds Sikhism in Punjab. Blends Hindu and Islamic spirituality. Teaches equality and direct connection to divine.
1483-1546: Martin Luther & Protestant Reformation
Martin Luther challenges Church authority. Protestant Reformation transforms Christianity and Western spirituality.
1772-1833: Rammohan Roy
Rammohan Roy harmonizes Hindu philosophy with modern science. Founds Brahmo Samaj. Hindu Renaissance begins in India.
1836-1886: Ramakrishna Paramahamsa
Ramakrishna practices multiple spiritual paths and teaches universal spiritual truth. Major influence on modern Hinduism.
1863-1902: Swami Vivekananda
Swami Vivekananda brings Hindu philosophy to the West. Founds Ramakrishna Mission. Major catalyst for East-West spiritual dialogue.
Contemporary Period (1900 - Present)
Early 1900s: Global Spiritual Dialogue
Increased communication between traditions. Eastern teachers visit West. Theosophical Society bridges traditions.
1872-1950: Sri Aurobindo
Sri Aurobindo synthesizes Hindu philosophy with evolutionary thought. Integral yoga teaches evolution and spiritual development.
1879-1950: Ramana Maharshi
Ramana Maharshi teaches non-dual Advaita. Modern saint who attracts Western spiritual seekers.
Mid-1900s: Eastern Spirituality Comes West
Zen Buddhism, Yoga, and Hindu philosophy become mainstream in West. Krishnamurti teaches worldwide. Meditation practices spread globally.
Late 1900s - Present: Integration & Dialogue
Interfaith movements grow. Science and spirituality dialogue deepens. Wisdom traditions become accessible globally through internet and translation.