<P> The history of Buddhism spans from the 5th century BCE to the present . Buddhism arose in the eastern part of Ancient India , in and around the ancient Kingdom of Magadha ( now in Bihar , India ) , and is based on the teachings of Siddhārtha Gautama . This makes it one of the oldest religions practiced today . The religion evolved as it spread from the northeastern region of the Indian subcontinent through Central , East , and Southeast Asia . At one time or another , it influenced most of the Asian continent . The history of Buddhism is also characterized by the development of numerous movements , schisms , and schools , among them the Theravāda , Mahāyāna and Vajrayāna traditions , with contrasting periods of expansion and retreat . </P>
<P> The history of Buddhism spans from the 5th century BCE to the present . Buddhism arose in the eastern part of Ancient India , in and around the ancient Kingdom of Magadha ( now in Bihar , India ) , and is based on the teachings of Siddhārtha Gautama . This makes it one of the oldest religions practiced today . The religion evolved as it spread from the northeastern region of the Indian subcontinent through Central , East , and Southeast Asia . At one time or another , it influenced most of the Asian continent . The history of Buddhism is also characterized by the development of numerous movements , schisms , and schools , among them the Theravāda , Mahāyāna and Vajrayāna traditions , with contrasting periods of expansion and retreat . </P>
buddhism was founded around 500 bce as a result of
buddhism was founded around 500 bce as a result of
the teachings of Siddhārtha Gautama
the teachings of Siddhārtha Gautama