Religions and Religious Movements (II)

Christian communities existed in the Persian Empire from the second century onwards, and although a small minority group, they became nonetheless highly structured. Although persecuted by the Persian Emperor, especially in the later third century, great numbers of Christian buildings were constructed at this time and the religion grew increasingly popular.  Moreover, Indian religions were also evolving in this period, as Buddhism and Hinduism both spread to the west, with the most significant cults being Brahmanism and the worship of Shiva.