(C) became less organized as the empire fell
(D) appealed primarily to elite classes7 . Hinduism
(A) was based on traditions of the Harappan civilization
(B) addressed the consequences of one’s behavior
(C) offered no hope for members of lower castes
(D) gained little acceptance outside India
8 . Buddhism
(A) was the adopted faith of Gupta rulers
(B) opposed Confucian ideals of patriarchal families
(C) changed over time from transmission by traders to its spread through the services of
monasteries
(D) changed over time to teach that common people could reach nirvana
Answers and Explanations
1 . D None of the above. Whereas Hinduism supported the caste system, Buddhism did not (A).
Buddhism showed respect for women; Hinduism did not (B). Only Hinduism became increasingly
popular in India (C).
2 . B Forgiveness of sins was a central teaching of Christianity. Christianity spread beyond the
borders of the Roman Empire to Africa and Asia (A). Christian missionaries, especially Paul of
Tarsus, actively promoted their faith (C). Missionary efforts were facilitated by the system of
Roman roads (D).
3 . D Neither Confucius nor Buddha believed himself to be a god. Later Buddhists, however,
sometimes deified Buddha. Although Confucianism became the dominant philosophy throughout
most of Chinese history, Buddhism lost popularity to Hinduism (A). Only Confucianism
emphasized the importance of effective government (B). The concept of nirvana was a Buddhist
belief only (C).
4 . D Confucianism embraced the traditions of centralization of government and veneration of
ancestors, whereas Daoism used the concepts of yin and yang to explain its teachings.
Confucianism stressed the importance of education (A), whereas Daoism taught personal
reflection (B). Confucianism encouraged active political involvement (C).
5 . C Buddhism was spread primarily by traders who followed the Silk Roads. Confucianism (A)
spread to Korea and Japan, areas not included in the Silk Roads. Daoism (B) was essentially a
Chinese philosophy. Judaism (D) remained a faith of the Middle East and of Jewish diaspora
communities; it was not a religion that actively sought converts.
6 . A During the late Roman Empire, Christianity became the official religion of the Roman
Empire. Persecution only increased its numbers (B). During the latter days of the empire, the
Christian religion was acquiring a detailed organization from parish priest to pope (C). The new
religion appealed to members of all classes, especially the poor (D).