Evidence of Cultural Diffusion

Three statements are shown in the image. What conclusions can you reach from these statements?

• All major world religions started at the exact same location.

• All major religions teach that there is only one God.

• People are more religious today than in the past.

• Systems of religious belief can spread from one place to another.

This is a picture of the Islamic Center of Toledo. It has minaret towers, a done, and horseshoe arches. What best explains the use of this type of architecture in Ohio?

• Islamic architecture is more beautiful than that of other religions

• The influence of Islam has spread far from where it began in Mecca

• Islamic architecture portrays images of Allah

• Mosques never use geometric shapes in their designs.

This map shows the path of Arab (Muslim) boats and coastal traders near Africa and the Middle East. What conclusion can you draw from this map?

• Ocean currents once blocked trade between East Africa and the Middle East

• Trade helped Islam to spread from the Middle East to East Africa

• Strong winds kept East Africa cut off from the Middle East

• The most important trade was done with the island of Madagascar.

Which best explains why traditional Buddhist ideas and customs which started in India, can be found in modern China and Southeast Asia?

• A belief in democracy

• The spread of ideas by merchants and missionaries

• The popularity of Indians in parts of Asia

• Attempts by India to conquer China

The Jewish people began to leave their home of Jerusalem when the Roman Empire took it over. This allowed the religion to spread wherever they moved. What is this an example?

• Spread of religion through migration

• Spread of religion through trade

• Spread of religion through military conquest

• Spread of religion through missionaries.

Buddhism spread originally from India to China, but Chinese people who were in contact with the Japanese spread Buddhism to Japan when the exchanged goods. What is this an example of?

• Spread of religion through migration

• Spread of religion through trade

• Spread of religion through military conquest

• Spread of religion through missionaries.

Christianity was spread during the age of exploration when people were sent to deliberately convert people in the new world to Christianity. What is this an example of?

• Spread of religion through migration

• Spread of religion through trade

• Spread of religion through military conquest

• Spread of religion through missionaries.

Islam was spread when empires who practiced Islam took over new territories. What is this an example of?

• Spread of religion through migration

• Spread of religion through trade

• Spread of religion through military conquest

• Spread of religion through missionaries.

Name one piece of evidence that shows religions have spread far from their geographic origin. Try to be specific. You may search for ideas or use examples that we've shown in class.