Chapter 2. On the Eve of Islam: The Hellenistic-Iranian World
2.1 Who were the "superpowers" of the Hellenistic-Iranian world during and before Muhammad’s life time?
2.2 What are the main features of the "Axial Age" and how are they illustrated (or not) by two of the religious or philosophical groups described in this chapter?
2.3 Which religions depended most heavily on state support and involvement? How? Were there any religions or philosophies that opposed state support or involvement in principle?