The Origins of Buddhism

<p>One of the oldest religions in the world, Buddhism is practiced by over 400 million people today, but where did it originate from? Pioneered by the Buddha - a wandering ascetic - it emerged in northern India in the fifth century BC as a new path that challenged the elitist structures of Indian Vedic culture. But what sparked the Buddha’s journey to enlightenment, and why did his teachings spread so far and so quickly?</p><br><p>In today’s episode of The Ancients, Tristan is joined by Dr Mary Storm - an expert on Indian ancient history - to unravel the origins of Buddhism. Together, they take a deep-dive into a world shaped by the Four Noble Truths, and the Eight-Fold Path, and explore who the legendary Buddha really was.</p><br><p>The Senior Producer was Elena Guthrie.</p><p>The Assistant Producer was Annie Coloe.</p><p>Edited by Joseph Knight.</p><br><p>For more Ancients content, subscribe to our Ancients newsletter <a href="https://www.historyhit.com/sign-up-to-history-hit/?utm_source=timelinenewsletter&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Timeline+Podcast+Campaign" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here.</a>&nbsp;</p><br><p>If you'd like to learn even more, we have hundreds of history documentaries, ad free podcasts and audiobooks at&nbsp;<a href="https://access.historyhit.com/?utm_source=audio&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Podcast+Campaign&utm_id=Podcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">History Hit</a>&nbsp;- enter promo code ANCIENTS for a free trial, plus 50% off your first three months' subscription.</p><br><p>To download, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.historyhit&hl=en_GB&gl=US" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Android &gt;</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/history-hit/id1303668247" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Apple store &gt;</a></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>