This table indicates the approximate date each of the twelve major world religions began, along with the traditional dates for the birth and death of its founder (if applicable). You can click on each religions' link to start reading about it.
This list of twelve world religions is, of course, an oversimplification. Also, keep in mind that there are religions (such as the belief systems of Native American and Australian Aborigine peoples) that go back much further than Hinduism, and there have been several large religions that have started since Baha'i.
The 'Common Era' refers to 1 A.D. CE=Common Era, BCE=Before Common Era
| date | Near East | India | China/Japan |
| 1000+ BCE | Judaism: Moses 1500-1350 BCE |
Hinduism: 2000 BCE |
|
| 600 BCE | Zoroastrianism: Zoroaster 628-527 BCE |
Jainism: Mahavira 599-527 BCE Buddhism: Buddha 563-483 BCE |
Taoism: Lao Tse 580-500 BCE Confucianism: Confucius 551-579 BCE |
| 100 CE | Christianity: Jesus 1-33 CE |
Shinto: 100 CE |
|
| 600 CE | Islam: Muhammad 570-636 CE |
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| 1500 CE | Sikhism: Guru Nanak 1469-1538 CE |
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| 1900 CE | Baha'i: Baha'u'llah 1817-1892 CE |
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