What is Manichaeism?
Manichaeism is a religion founded by Iranian prophet Mani during the 3rd century CE. It mainly talks about the struggle between good and evil and the light and the darkness, therefore considered as a form of religious Dualism. It is classified as a religion that is a combination of Christianity, Zoroastrianism, Buddhism and Judaism. Additionally, Manichaeism offered salvation to the ones who are ascetic with their Manichaean lives. Once being a dominant religion in Asia during prophet Mani's days, Manichaeism's popularity slowly declined nearly died out around the end of the 6th century.
History Timeline
216 - Mani was born in Persian Babylonia (modern day Iraq).
228 - Mani had a vision.
237 - Mani had a second vision, and he was told to be the culminating prophet like Zoroaster, Buddha, and Jesus.
240 - Mani converted a Buddhist king.
242 - Mani first proclaimed his gospel in King, Gundesapor on the coronation day of Sapor I. He was then allowed to teach his faith, and with success, he converted 2 princes. In addition, missionaries were sent to the East and the West.
276 - Mani was persecuted under the rule of the new ruler Bahram I and died in prison (Bahram I was in favour of Zoroastrianism). Some say that he was crucified.
290 - Manichaeism was flourishing in Egypt
291 - Many Manichaeans were slaughtered in the Persian Empire.
291 - 303 - Innai reigned as Imam. During this time, the king became ill and resorted to Innai's expert healing skills. After the king's recovery, he tolerated Manichaeans and Manichaeism soon spread easily again.
300 - A village in India was known as Mani-grama (Mani's Town).
320 - A Christian named Hegemonius wrote the Acts of Archelaus, which was anti-Manichaeism and spread lies about Mani.
372 - Augustine became a Manichaean
405 - Augustine wrote against Manichaeans.
Late 300's to 400's - Rulers such as Theodosius I, Valentinian I, and Popes executed Manichaeans and burned Manichaean writings. Even though Manichaeism spread to Europe and China, it was regarded as heresy.
620 - Manichaeism spread eastward through the Silk Road and through China.
228 - Mani had a vision.
237 - Mani had a second vision, and he was told to be the culminating prophet like Zoroaster, Buddha, and Jesus.
240 - Mani converted a Buddhist king.
242 - Mani first proclaimed his gospel in King, Gundesapor on the coronation day of Sapor I. He was then allowed to teach his faith, and with success, he converted 2 princes. In addition, missionaries were sent to the East and the West.
276 - Mani was persecuted under the rule of the new ruler Bahram I and died in prison (Bahram I was in favour of Zoroastrianism). Some say that he was crucified.
290 - Manichaeism was flourishing in Egypt
291 - Many Manichaeans were slaughtered in the Persian Empire.
291 - 303 - Innai reigned as Imam. During this time, the king became ill and resorted to Innai's expert healing skills. After the king's recovery, he tolerated Manichaeans and Manichaeism soon spread easily again.
300 - A village in India was known as Mani-grama (Mani's Town).
320 - A Christian named Hegemonius wrote the Acts of Archelaus, which was anti-Manichaeism and spread lies about Mani.
372 - Augustine became a Manichaean
405 - Augustine wrote against Manichaeans.
Late 300's to 400's - Rulers such as Theodosius I, Valentinian I, and Popes executed Manichaeans and burned Manichaean writings. Even though Manichaeism spread to Europe and China, it was regarded as heresy.
620 - Manichaeism spread eastward through the Silk Road and through China.
