Religions that no longer exist today: Causes and History

Throughout the history of the world, many religions have emerged, developed and eventually disappeared. Most of these lost religions have disappeared over time for a number of historical, social, cultural and political reasons. In this article, we will examine in detail some such examples and the reasons for their extinction.

I. Ancient Religions and Their Causes

1. Ancient Religions of Egypt

- Gods and Goddesses: Ancient Egyptian religion had a complex belief system involving many gods and goddesses. Gods such as Ra, Osiris, Isis and Horus were figures that shaped daily life and the afterlife.

- Why they disappeared: The main reason for the official disappearance of Egyptian religion was the Roman Empire's adoption of Christianity as the state religion. In the 4th century, the banning of pagan cults by the Roman Emperor Theodosius I led to the disappearance of Egypt's ancient beliefs.

2. Ancient Religions of Mesopotamia

- Gods and Goddesses: Mesopotamia's religious beliefs included gods and goddesses such as Enki, Enlil, Ishtar. These religions varied in the different city-states of the region.

- Why they disappeared: Mesopotamian religions declined and disappeared over time due to the collapse of the empires that dominated the region (especially Babylon and Assyria) and the influence of new cultures that replaced them. In addition, the spread of Persia and later Islam in the region caused these old religions to be replaced by new belief systems.

3. Greek and Roman Paganism

- Gods and Goddesses: The pagan religions of ancient Greece and Rome worshipped gods such as Zeus, Athena, Jupiter and Mars. These religions were rich with mythological stories and rituals.

- Why they disappeared: After Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire, pagan rituals and beliefs were banned. Christianity largely suppressed these ancient beliefs and caused them to disappear over time.

II. Medieval and Early Modern Religions

1. Manichaeism

- Basic Beliefs: Manichaeism is a religion founded by Mani in the 3rd century and is based on the struggle between good and evil. It was influenced by Zoroastrianism, Christianity and Buddhism.

- Why It Disappeared: Although Manichaeism spread over a wide geography, it was subjected to oppression, especially in the Roman and Persian Empires. Under the domination of Christianity and Islam, this religion gradually disappeared.

2. Gnosticism

- Basic Beliefs: Gnosticism is a religious system based on knowledge (gnosis) and is often confused with Christianity. It focused on the distinction between good and evil and the inadequacy of nature.

- Why It Disappeared: Gnosticism was considered a heresy in early Christianity and was rejected by the church. Therefore, over time it disappeared and was suppressed by other Christian faiths.

III. Local and Tribal Religions

1. Druidism

- Basic Beliefs: Druidism is a religion widespread among the Celts and is concerned with nature, trees, and spiritual rituals.

-Why It Disappeared: Druidism disappeared with the Roman Empire's rule in Britain and the subsequent spread of Christianity. Christian missionaries destroyed these ancient rituals and religions.

2. Norse Paganism

- Basic Beliefs: Norse paganism is a belief system common in Northern Europe and includes gods such as Odin and Thor.

- Why It Disappeared: Norse paganism was displaced over time by Christianity. Christian missionaries destroyed these old beliefs and Christianized societies.

IV. Lost Religions in the Modern Era

1. Limitations of the Rastafari Movement

- Basic Beliefs: Rastafari is a religion that originated in Jamaica in the 1930s and recognizes Haile Selassie as the Messiah.

- Why it Disappeared: Rastafari still exists today, but its influence has diminished and is interpreted very differently across societies. Socio-political and cultural changes have limited the prevalence of this religion.

Throughout history, there have been many reasons for the disappearance of various religions and belief systems. Political changes, cultural assimilation, religious conflicts and social transformations have contributed to the disappearance of these ancient belief systems.

These lost religions have left their mark in the depths of history and each played an important cultural role in its time and place. Today, some of these lost religions are studied through historical and cultural research, but not actively practiced.