Religion Buildings

Synagogues (Jewish Temples) increase a city's happiness and culture. In addition, they provide additional happiness and a Priest slot if Judaism is the state religion. Synagogues are required to build the Jewish Sanhedrin building.

    A Jewish synagogue is a place both of worship and of study. Worship and prayer take place in the main room. The prayer may be led by a "rabbi" (teacher), but it is not necessary, and many synagogues do not have a rabbi in attendance. Many of the most beautiful synagogues in the world are found in Eastern Europe. Unfortunately, many of the local worshipers were killed during the Holocaust, and most survivors fled to Israel, leaving these holy buildings sadly unattended.

The Sanhedrin (Jewish Cathedral) increases its city's cultural output and provides a Priest slot. If Judaism is the state religion, this effect is increased, and the building provides additional happiness.

    The Sanhedrin was an assembly of twenty-three to seventy-one men appointed in every city in the Land of Israel. In the Hebrew Bible, Moses and the Israelites were commanded by God to establish courts of judges who were given full authority over the people of Israel, who were commanded by God to obey every word the judges instructed and every law they established. Judges in ancient Israel were the religious leaders and Teachers of the nation of Israel.

Yeshivas (Jewish Monasteries) provide culture and allow you to create Jewish Rabbis, who can spread Judaism in other cities. In addition, they increase their city's research output if Judaism is the state religion.

    Though Judaism does not possess monasteries in the traditional sense, it does have Talmudic Academies called Yeshivas, centers of learning where Rabbis discuss and debate the "Talmud," a record of rabbinical writings on Jewish law, ethics and custom. Aside from the Bible, the Talmud is the sole authority on many aspects of Jewish life and religious practice. Based upon earlier Jewish oral tradition, the Talmud was first put to paper in the second century, AD. It has been added to, debated and studied ever since.

The Jewish Reliquary provides an additional Priest slot and increases its city's gold output if Judaism is the state religion.

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The Jewish Holy Site increases the impact of state religion effects provided by Jewish buildings and provides a Priest slot. In addition, it increases the yield of trade routes with other Jewish cities. It also provides a Priest slot.

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The Temple of Solomon (Jewish Shrine) increases the gold output and the impact of state religion effects provided by Jewish buildings. In addition, it increases the yield of trade routes with other Jewish cities. It also provides a Priest slot, and additional slots if Judaism is the state religion. It spreads Judaism throughout the world and increases the chances of generating a Great Prophet.

    According to Jewish tradition, Solomon's Temple was the first Jewish temple in Jerusalem, and, as the "dwelling place of God," the single most important building in the Jewish religion. Construction was begun by King David and completed by his son, Solomon. The temple was built by Phoenician workers using the finest materials available - stones quarried from beneath the city, wood from Lebanon, and 3000 tons of gold and 30,000 tons of silver. The result was an astonishingly beautiful edifice standing some 30 yards long by 10 yards wide by 16 yards in height. It took seven years to complete the Temple.
    The Temple consisted of three main rooms surrounded by smaller chambers. Upon climbing a set of stairs, the visitor would enter the vestibule, which was topped with two enormous pillars given the names of Jachin and Boaz. From there the visitor would proceed into the "Greater House" or "Holy Place," wherein important religious services were performed. Beyond the Greater House lay the "Holy of Holies," a square, cedar-lined room which held the "Ark of the Covenant." The Ark of the Covenant was a sacred container which held the stone tablets upon which were written the Ten Commandments, given by God to Moses. The building was surrounded by a courtyard in which the people worshipped.
    The Temple was pillaged many times over the years, and it was finally looted and burned to the ground by King Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon some time around 580 BC, during the time of the "Babylonian Captivity." Years later, many of the Temple's treasures were returned to the Jews by King Cyrus of Persia, but the Ark was missing. Some believe that the Ark was removed and hidden before the Babylonian attack, while others believe that the Ark was captured by Babylon and then destroyed or lost. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church claims to possess the Ark, it having been brought there by one of Solomon's sons. In any case, the destruction of the Temple was total, and there is much controversy and debate about where it originally stood.
    The "Second Temple" was constructed in Jerusalem in approximately 500 BC. It in turn was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD. All that remains of this building is the "Western Wall," also known as the "Wailing Wall."

Churches (Orthodox Temples) increase a city's happiness and culture. In addition, they provide additional happiness and a Priest slot if Orthodoxy is the state religion. Churches are required to build the Orthodox Cathedral building.

    Facing Roman persecution, the earliest Christians worshiped in secret in private homes, catacombs, and the like. The Emperor Constantine I legalized Christianity in 325 AD. Though not a Christian himself as is often mistakenly claimed, Constantine I built many Christian churches across Roman territory, including the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, which many Christians believe is on the site where Jesus was born.

The Cathedral (Orthodox Cathedral) increases its city's cultural output and provides a Priest slot. If Orthodoxy is the state religion, this effect is increased, and the building provides additional happiness.

    Christian cathedrals are considered among the most beautiful buildings in the world. Many of the most imposing were built during the Middle Ages. Lofty buildings with beautiful stained glass, the early Christian cathedrals tended to collapse suddenly, with unfortunate results for those inside, until the invention of the flying buttress.

Monasteries (Orthodox Monasteries) provide culture and allow you to create Orthodox Missionaries, who can spread Orthodoxy in other cities. In addition, they increase their city's research output if Orthodoxy is the state religion.

    A monastery is a building where monks can retreat from the world and concentrate upon the divine. Usually a monastery will have strict rules of conduct to protect its unworldly members from temptation. In some monasteries, the monks are totally silent; in others no visitors are allowed inside. Monasteries usually have many daily rituals and religious services.
    Throughout the ages monasteries have often been centers of learning. In remote areas the monks may be the only literate people for miles around. Monks have often been employed as scribes, copying out the words of their religion's sacred scripture. Monasteries frequently have extensive libraries, holding religious, scientific, medical and philosophical texts.
    The first recorded Christian monastery was founded by Saint Anthony in Egypt around 300 AD. The idea spread throughout the Christian world, and eventually Christian monasteries could be found across North Africa, the Middle East, Western Asia, and Europe. The Roman Catholic Church has dozens of monastic orders, including the Benedictine, Franciscan, Jesuit, Carmelite, Trappist, Augustinian, and Knights Templar.

The Orthodox Reliquary provides an additional Priest slot and increases its city's gold output if Orthodoxy is the state religion.

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The Orthodox Holy Site increases the impact of state religion effects provided by Orthodox buildings and provides a Priest slot. In addition, it increases the yield of trade routes with other Orthodox cities. It also provides a Priest slot.

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The Church of the Anastasis (Orthodox Shrine) increases the gold output and the impact of state religion effects provided by Orthodox buildings. In addition, it increases the yield of trade routes with other Orthodox cities. It also provides a Priest slot, and additional slots if Orthodoxy is the state religion. It spreads Orthodoxy throughout the world and increases the chances of generating a Great Prophet.

    The Church of the Anastasis, also called the Church of the Resurrection or the Church of the Holy Sepulchre by Latin Christians, is a church within the Christian Quarter of the walled Old City of Jerusalem. It is a few steps away from the Muristan.
    The site is venerated as Calvary (Golgotha), where Jesus was crucified, and also contains the place where Jesus is said to have been buried. The church has been an important Christian pilgrimage destination since at least the 4th century as the purported site of the resurrection of Jesus.
    Today it also serves as the headquarters of the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, while control of the building is shared between several Christian churches and secular entities in complicated arrangements essentially unchanged for centuries. Today, the church is home to branches of Eastern Orthodoxy and Oriental Orthodoxy as well as to Roman Catholicism. Anglicans and Protestants have no permanent presence in the Church and some have regarded the Garden Tomb, elsewhere in Jerusalem, as the true place of Jesus's crucifixion and resurrection.

Churches (Catholic Temples) increase a city's happiness and culture. In addition, they provide additional happiness and a Priest slot if Catholicism is the state religion. Churches are required to build the Catholic Cathedral building.

    Facing Roman persecution, the earliest Christians worshiped in secret in private homes, catacombs, and the like. The Emperor Constantine I legalized Christianity in 325 AD. Though not a Christian himself as is often mistakenly claimed, Constantine I built many Christian churches across Roman territory, including the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, which many Christians believe is on the site where Jesus was born.

The Cathedral (Catholic Cathedral) increases its city's cultural output and provides a Priest slot. If Catholicism is the state religion, this effect is increased, and the building provides additional happiness.

    Christian cathedrals are considered among the most beautiful buildings in the world. Many of the most imposing were built during the Middle Ages. Lofty buildings with beautiful stained glass, the early Christian cathedrals tended to collapse suddenly, with unfortunate results for those inside, until the invention of the flying buttress.

Monasteries (Catholic Monasteries) provide culture and allow you to create Catholic Missionaries, who can spread Catholicism in other cities. In addition, they increase their city's research output if Catholicism is the state religion.

    A monastery is a building where monks can retreat from the world and concentrate upon the divine. Usually a monastery will have strict rules of conduct to protect its unworldly members from temptation. In some monasteries, the monks are totally silent; in others no visitors are allowed inside. Monasteries usually have many daily rituals and religious services.
    Throughout the ages monasteries have often been centers of learning. In remote areas the monks may be the only literate people for miles around. Monks have often been employed as scribes, copying out the words of their religion's sacred scripture. Monasteries frequently have extensive libraries, holding religious, scientific, medical and philosophical texts.
    The first recorded Christian monastery was founded by Saint Anthony in Egypt around 300 AD. The idea spread throughout the Christian world, and eventually Christian monasteries could be found across North Africa, the Middle East, Western Asia, and Europe. The Roman Catholic Church has dozens of monastic orders, including the Benedictine, Franciscan, Jesuit, Carmelite, Trappist, Augustinian, and Knights Templar.

The Catholic Reliquary provides an additional Priest slot and increases its city's gold output if Catholicism is the state religion.

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The Catholic Holy Site increases the impact of state religion effects provided by Catholic buildings and provides a Priest slot. In addition, it increases the yield of trade routes with other Catholic cities. It also provides a Priest slot.

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Saint Peter's Basilica (Catholic Shrine) increases the gold output and the impact of state religion effects provided by Catholic buildings. In addition, it increases the yield of trade routes with other Catholic cities. It also provides a Priest slot, and additional slots if Catholicism is the state religion. It spreads Catholicism throughout the world and increases the chances of generating a Great Prophet.

    Saint Peter's Basilica, located in Vatican City, Italy, is the home of the Pope and the heart of the Catholic Church. Having only been occupied by the Pope since the breakup of the Papal State in 1871, the current Apostolic Palace is a relatively new addition to the Church's assets. Sitting adjacent to the iconic St. Peter's Square, the Palace acts as the administrative center for all business of the Catholic Church. Further, it is from here that the Pope issues decrees which affect Catholics throughout the world. And with nearly one in six people on Earth prescribing to Catholicism, this means the Apostolic Palace is the headquarters for one of the most influential organizations on the planet.
    While the palace's importance as a world administrative center cannot be doubted, the Apostolic Palace also houses one of the most famous art collections on Earth. Contained within the walls of the Apostolic Palace is the Vatican Museum, which displays the works of master artisans Caravaggio, Raphael and Da Vinci. Michelangelo's famous Sistine Chapel is also a part of the Apostolic Palace.

Churches (Protestant Temples) increase a city's happiness and culture. In addition, they provide additional happiness and a Priest slot if Protestantism is the state religion. Churches are required to build the Protestant Cathedral building.

    Facing Roman persecution, the earliest Christians worshiped in secret in private homes, catacombs, and the like. The Emperor Constantine I legalized Christianity in 325 AD. Though not a Christian himself as is often mistakenly claimed, Constantine I built many Christian churches across Roman territory, including the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, which many Christians believe is on the site where Jesus was born.

The Cathedral (Protestant Cathedral) increases its city's cultural output and provides a Priest slot. If Protestantism is the state religion, this effect is increased, and the building provides additional happiness.

    Christian cathedrals are considered among the most beautiful buildings in the world. Many of the most imposing were built during the Middle Ages. Lofty buildings with beautiful stained glass, the early Christian cathedrals tended to collapse suddenly, with unfortunate results for those inside, until the invention of the flying buttress.

Seminaries (Protestant Monasteries) provide culture and allow you to create Protestant Missionaries, who can spread Protestantism in other cities. In addition, they increase their city's research output if Protestantism is the state religion.

    A seminary is an educational institution for educating students (sometimes called seminarians) in theology, generally to prepare them for ordination as clergy or for other ministry.

The Protestant Reliquary provides an additional Priest slot and increases its city's gold output if Protestantism is the state religion.

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The Protestant Holy Site increases the impact of state religion effects provided by Protestant buildings and provides a Priest slot. In addition, it increases the yield of trade routes with other Protestant cities. It also provides a Priest slot.

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The All Saint's Church (Protestant Shrine) increases the gold output and the impact of state religion effects provided by Protestant buildings. In addition, it increases the yield of trade routes with other Protestant cities. It also provides a Priest slot, and additional slots if Protestantism is the state religion. It spreads Protestantism throughout the world and increases the chances of generating a Great Prophet.

    All Saints' Church is a Lutheran church in the town of Wittenberg in Germany. It is best known as the location where Martin Luther started the Reformation, by nailing his Ninety-Five Theses to the doors of the church. The Ninety-Five Theses were an attack on the sale of indulgences by the Catholic Church. "Indulgences" were purchased by those Catholics who, having already obtained forgiveness for their sins, wished to reduce the time they would spend in punishment in the afterlife for their sins, before eventually going to heaven. In practice, these were sold to fund the expenses of the Catholic Church on salaries and construction projects. It was Luther's contention that this turned penitence into a commercial transaction.
    Past heresies in Christianity were quickly quashed by the Church, which excommunicated and even declared crusades against dissenters. However, the development of the printing press ensured the rapid spread of Luther's message throughout Europe. Luther's refusal to recant his condemnations of Rome is seen as the beginning of the process of the Protestant Reformation.

Mosques (Islamic Temples) increase a city's happiness and culture. In addition, they provide additional happiness and a Priest slot if Islam is the state religion. Mosques are required to build the Islamic Grand Mosque building.

    Mosques are Islamic places of worship and exist across the world. Many contain towers from which the worshipers are called to perform "salah," the five daily prayers each Muslim must perform.

The Grand Mosque (Islamic Cathedral) increases its city's cultural output and provides a Priest slot. If Islam is the state religion, this effect is increased, and the building provides additional happiness.

    The first mosque built was the "Kaaba," in Mecca, which resides inside of the the Masjid al-Haram. According to tradition, the Kaaba was originally a temple constructed by the prophet Abraham and his son, Ishmael. By the Prophet Muhammad's time, the Kaaba was being used to worship many "false" gods; he destroyed the idols and rededicated the structure to Allah when he captured Mecca in 630 AD. Grand Mosques are the next most important religious buildings in Islam after the Masjid al-Haram. They are built in major Islamic cities and serve as places of worship for their large populations and as monuments to the glory of Allah.

Madrasahs (Islamic Monasteries) provide culture and allow you to create Islamic Imams, who can spread Islam in other cities. In addition, they increase their city's research output if Islam is the state religion.

    A madrasah is an Islamic institute of higher learning, usually religious in nature. The earliest madrasahs were formed in Islamic mosques, where scholars gathered to study and debate religious and secular issues of the day. Over time students would come to study with the most learned scholars; the most popular teachers often had to construct separate buildings to hold their growing student population.
    At the madrasahs the students would learn to read and write and study religious doctrine, history and law. Some madrasahs also taught logic, world history, foreign language, mathematics, art and science. Since state-run colleges and universities did not appear until later in history, the madrasahs were critical centers of learning in many Islamic cities.

The Islamic Reliquary provides an additional Priest slot and increases its city's gold output if Islam is the state religion.

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The Islamic Holy Site increases the impact of state religion effects provided by Islamic buildings and provides a Priest slot. In addition, it increases the yield of trade routes with other Islamic cities. It also provides a Priest slot.

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The Masjid al-Haram (Islamic Shrine) increases the gold output and the impact of state religion effects provided by Islamic buildings. In addition, it increases the yield of trade routes with other Islamic cities. It also provides a Priest slot, and additional slots if Islam is the state religion. It spreads Islam throughout the world and increases the chances of generating a Great Prophet.

    The Masjid al-Haram is an Islamic mosque in the center of the holy city of Mecca, which is located in western Saudi Arabia. The mosque contains the Kaaba, an ancient cube-shaped building which is said to have been built by the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his son, Ishmael, at the orders of Allah, and which is believed to be the holiest place on Earth. The Kaaba in turn houses the "Black Stone," which it is said has fallen from heaven and has the power to cleanse worshippers of their sins.
    The Kaaba has always been revered as a holy place. Before the rise of Islam, the Kaaba was filled with idols, and Arabs from miles around came to worship there. Upon his return from exile, the Prophet Muhammad smashed the idols and rededicated the mosque to Allah and Islam. It has remained an Islamic holy place ever since and non-Muslims are forbidden to enter Mecca.
    The Masjid al-Haram is the focal point of the "hajj," a religious pilgrimage to Mecca required of all able-bodied Muslims (at least according to the Sunni sect). Every year during the holy month of Dhu'l-Hijjah, upwards of three million people visit the holy city and the most holy mosque within, thus fulfilling one of the "five pillars of Islam." The mosque has been enlarged and modernized to handle the extraordinary influx of faithful, but both the city and the mosque can barely handle the traffic.
    The mosque is in the form of a huge sprawling building surrounding a mighty courtyard with the Kaaba in the center. The building is extraordinarily beautiful and constructed of marble and porcelain and gold and bedecked with graceful minarets (towers). The interior is a wonder of columned halls filled with tapestries and other marvelous decorations. The courtyard itself is paved with marble. Truly a magnificent place of worship, Masjid al-Haram is said by some to surpass the Taj Mahal in glory and wonder.

Mandirs (Hindu Temples) increase a city's happiness and culture. In addition, they provide additional happiness and a Priest slot if Hinduism is the state religion. The first player to build a Mandir founds Buddhism. Mandirs are required to build the Hindu Kshetra building.

    A Mandir is a Hindu temple typically dedicated to a primary Hindu deity and that deity's subordinates. Worshipers must maintain a certain level of ritual purity to enter a mandir: they must not wear footwear; they must not smoke, eat or drink inside; their breath should not smell of garlic or onions; and they may enter only with the priest's permission.

The Kshetra (Hindu Cathedral) increases its city's cultural output and provides a Priest slot. If Hinduism is the state religion, this effect is increased, and the building provides additional happiness.

    Typically, kshetras are large Hindu temple complexes built in places of sacred, religious or dharmic importance. The earliest mention of a kshetra appears in the fifth century BC. The Angkor Wat, a Hindu temple complex built in the 12th century AD, is one of the finest surviving kshetras in the world.

Ashrams (Hindu Monasteries) provide culture and allow you to create Hindu Gurus, who can spread Hinduism in other cities. In addition, they increase their city's research output if Hinduism is the state religion.

    A monastery is a building where monks can retreat from the world and concentrate upon the divine. Usually a monastery will have strict rules of conduct to protect its unworldly members from temptation. In some monasteries, the monks are totally silent; in others no visitors are allowed inside. Monasteries usually have many daily rituals and religious services.
    Throughout the ages monasteries have often been centers of learning. In remote areas the monks may be the only literate people for miles around. Monks have often been employed as scribes, copying out the words of their religion's sacred scripture. Monasteries frequently have extensive libraries, holding religious, scientific, medical and philosophical texts.
    Hindu ashrams have been constructed across India and Asia. Many were built in remote places, far from the ravages of war and conquest; some survive today virtually untouched by history.

The Hindu Reliquary provides an additional Priest slot and increases its city's gold output if Hinduism is the state religion.

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The Hindu Holy Site increases the impact of state religion effects provided by Hindu buildings and provides a Priest slot. In addition, it increases the yield of trade routes with other Hindu cities. It also provides a Priest slot.

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The Vishwanath (Hindu Shrine) increases the gold output and the impact of state religion effects provided by Hindu buildings. In addition, it increases the yield of trade routes with other Hindu cities. It also provides a Priest slot, and additional slots if Hinduism is the state religion. It spreads Hinduism throughout the world and increases the chances of generating a Great Prophet.

    Vishwanath was a temple located in Varanasi, "the oldest living city in the world," and the place most sacred to Hinduism. The origins of Varanasi are shrouded in history, but it is believed that the city is more than 3000 years old. After visiting the city, Mark Twain wrote that Varanasi "is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together."
    According to Hindu tradition Varanasi is the home of Lord Shiva and his consort, Parvati. Known as the Destroyer, Lord Shiva is part of the "trimurti" - the three aspects of God - creation, preservation, and destruction. Shiva's consort Parvati is seen as Earth Mother, and, according to tradition, the two are the parents of all living creatures. The city is also held sacred because it is here that the Ganges River gained the power to wash away sins.
    The Kashi Vishwanath is a golden temple standing at the cities center. The date of construction of the original temple is not known. It was destroyed in 1669 by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, who built a mosque atop the ruins. The present Kashi Vishwanath was built in 1776, across the street from its original location. The newer building's spire is about 50 feet in height and covered with over one ton of gold plating, donated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The temple's interior consists of a mandapa (pillared hall) and a sanctum containing a silver altar.
    According to Hindu tradition, it was here that the first jyotirlinga, the fiery pillar of light by which Shiva manifested his supremacy over other Gods, broke through the earth's crust and flared towards the heavens. The altar contains a Shivalinga (an ancient symbol of Shiva) in its center to commemorate this event. It is believed that viewing the temple can transform a worshipper's life and put him on the path of knowledge and devotion, and each year the temple is visited by tens of thousands of Hindu faithful seeking enlightment.

Stupas (Buddhist Temples) increase a city's happiness and culture. In addition, they provide additional happiness and a Priest slot if Buddhism is the state religion. Stupas are required to build the Buddhist Chaitya building.

    Buddhist stupas are monuments holding holy relics. The first eight stupas were created to hold the Buddha's remains. During his reign, the Emperor Asoka took portions of the Buddha's ashes and spread them among the thousands of stupas he created. Stupas can now be found across Asia and the world.
    The oldest surviving stupa can be found in Sanchi, India. The "Great Stupa" was constructed by Emperor Asoka some time in the third century BC.

The Chaitya (Buddhist Cathedral) increases its city's cultural output and provides a Priest slot. If Buddhism is the state religion, this effect is increased, and the building provides additional happiness.

    A chaitya is a Buddhist shrine or prayer hall with a stupa at one end. Chaityas were constructed to hold large numbers of devotees and to provide shelter for them. Early chaityas were built as standing structures with the stupa being surrounded by a colonnaded processional path enclosed by an outer wall with a congregation hall adjoining it. The more spectacular and more numerous chaityas, however, were cut into living rock as caves.

Sanghas (Buddhist Monasteries) provide culture and allow you to create Buddhist Bhikkus, who can spread Buddhism in other cities. In addition, they increase their city's research output if Buddhism is the state religion.

    A monastery is a building where monks can retreat from the world and concentrate upon the divine. Usually a monastery will have strict rules of conduct to protect its unworldly members from temptation. In some monasteries, the monks are totally silent; in others no visitors are allowed inside. Monasteries usually have many daily rituals and religious services.
    Throughout the ages monasteries have often been centers of learning. In remote areas the monks may be the only literate people for miles around. Monks have often been employed as scribes, copying out the words of their religion's sacred scripture. Monasteries frequently have extensive libraries, holding religious, scientific, medical and philosophical texts.
    Sanghas, alternately also called Viharas, were originally created to provide places for the wandering Buddhist monks to make their annual retreats. Some Buddhist monks stay indoors during the three-month rainy season to avoid damaging new plant growth (and to avoid being stranded during inclement weather). In the past, wealthy supporters donated plots of land where the monks could retreat; over time these have evolved into monasteries, often large and wealthy structures where monks can live year round.

The Buddhist Reliquary provides an additional Priest slot and increases its city's gold output if Buddhism is the state religion.

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The Buddhist Holy Site increases the impact of state religion effects provided by Buddhist buildings and provides a Priest slot. In addition, it increases the yield of trade routes with other Buddhist cities. It also provides a Priest slot.

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The Mahabodhi (Buddhist Shrine) increases the gold output and the impact of state religion effects provided by Buddhist buildings. In addition, it increases the yield of trade routes with other Buddhist cities. It also provides a Priest slot, and additional slots if Buddhism is the state religion. It spreads Buddhism throughout the world and increases the chances of generating a Great Prophet.

    Located near Patna, in Bihar state, India, the Mahabodhi is a Buddhist temple in Bodh Gaya, the place where, according to Buddhist tradition, Siddhartha Gautama gained enlightenment and became the Buddha while meditating under a Bodhi (Peepal) tree.
    The Emperor Asoka constructed the "Golden Throne" sometime around 250 BC, and over time many other buildings and statues were added. In the 12th century the area was overrun by Muslims, and the temple sacked and largely destroyed. In the 16th century a Hindu monastery was established, and the monastery's abbot was given control over the temple grounds.
    Eventually the area came under British control. In the 1880s they began a major restoration of the temple, much against the wishes of the Hindu abbot. In the 1940s control over the site was given to the state, which manages the site with the advice of a committee containing Buddhists from the world over.
    A building of remarkable beauty and grandeur, the Mahabodhi is one of the oldest surviving brick buildings in India. Standing on the ruins of an even older "stupa," the temple consists of a high central tower surrounded by four smaller towers. The central tower rises some 60 feet in height. The edifice is covered by ornate and colorful molding, pilasters (pseudo columns), and arches, many of which contain bas relief sculptures. Inside sits a very large gilded statue of the Buddha. The statue sits where, legend has it, the Buddha was sitting when he achieved enlightenment.
    Near to the building stands a mighty Bodhi tree, a descendant of the one under which Buddha found enlightenment. The temple stands within an extensive complex of smaller temples, statues, and pathways running through beautiful parklands and alongside peaceful lakes. The temple and its surroundings remain a focus of Buddhist worship, and people from across the world come every year to honor the Buddha and to marvel at the beauty of the Mahabodhi.

Miaos (Confucian Temples) increase a city's happiness and culture. In addition, they provide additional happiness and a Priest slot if Confucianism is the state religion. Miaos are required to build the Confucian Guozijian building.

    Though Confucius himself was a philosopher rather than a religious leader, over time he was accorded the status of a god and worshipped across Asia. The temples of Confucius are referred to as Kong Miao. Some of them are small and private, others more extensive where hundreds of worshippers could attend services. Many Miao were constructed in the pagoda style of architecture.

The Guozijian (Confucian Cathedral) increases its city's cultural output and provides a Priest slot. If Confucianism is the state religion, this effect is increased, and the building provides additional happiness.

    Throughout the history of Imperial China, strong emphasis has been placed on a rigorous education of its bureaucrats and officials. By tradition, this education has been inextricably linked to the values of Confucianism. Guozijian are large imperial academies where future officials are trained in those Confucian tenets.

Academies (Confucian Monasteries) provide culture and allow you to create Confucian Scholars, who can spread Confucianism in other cities. In addition, they increase their city's research output if Confucianism is the state religion.

    Many of the early Confucian religious buildings were destroyed during the Qin Dynasty. When the Emperor Wu (156-87 BC) adopted Confucianism as the state religion of China, he placed many Confucian scholars in positions of power; eventually, knowledge of Confucianism became a prerequisite for anyone hoping to gain employment in the Imperial government. Private and public Confucian Academies sprung up across China, where families sent their sons to study for the civil service examinations.

The Confucian Reliquary provides an additional Priest slot and increases its city's gold output if Confucianism is the state religion.

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The Confucian Holy Site increases the impact of state religion effects provided by Confucian buildings and provides a Priest slot. In addition, it increases the yield of trade routes with other Confucian cities. It also provides a Priest slot.

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San Kong (Confucian Shrine) increases the gold output and the impact of state religion effects provided by Confucian buildings. In addition, it increases the yield of trade routes with other Confucian cities. It also provides a Priest slot, and additional slots if Confucianism is the state religion. It spreads Confucianism throughout the world and increases the chances of generating a Great Prophet.

    The San Kong are the three Confucian holy sites located in the city Qufu in China's Shandong province: the Kong Family Mansion, the Cemetary of Confucius, and most prominently, the Kong Miao or Temple of Confucius. The origins of the temple date back to 478 BC, when a local ruler built a temple to honor Confucius (who had only recently passed away and was relatively unknown in most of China). As time passed and the fame of Confucius began to spread, the Kong Miao grew in stature and importance as well. The Han Emperor Wu Di offered sacrifices at the site in 205 BC, and the Kong Miao continued to be patronized by various emperors across the centuries.
    The actual buildings that make up the San Kong have been torn down and rebuilt many times over the centuries. The present layout of the Kong Miao dates to the early 16th century, when the temple was rebuilt following a massive conflaguration in 1499 sparked by lightning. Since this construction took place at the same time as Beijing's Forbidden Palace, there are many design similarities between the two complexes. The Kong Miao is known not only for its size (it comprises some 466 rooms), but also for its stone sculptures and calligraphy dating back to many different dynasties. Today it is both a holy Confucian shrine and a popular tourist attraction.

Guans (Taoist Temples) increase a city's happiness and culture. In addition, they provide additional happiness and a Priest slot if Taoism is the state religion. Guans are required to build the Taoist Gong building.

    Taoist Guans are often attractive, brightly-colored buildings, filled with statues of divine beings. Priests may or may not be in attendance. Taoism is a ritualistic religion, and the temple is often used for ceremonies ranging from parades to exorcisms. The ceremonies themselves tend to be loud and colorful, full of chanting, singing, clashing symbols, and firecrackers.

The Gong (Taoist Cathedral) increases its city's cultural output and provides a Priest slot. If Taoism is the state religion, this effect is increased, and the building provides additional happiness.

    The most elaborate and extensive Taoist religious buildings are called Gong. Often they are constructed as pagodas - tiered towers with multiple eaves. This building style originated in Nepal and has since spread across much of Asia. Unfortunately, many great Taoist Gong were constructed of wood - wood holds special religious significance for Taoists - and have not withstood the onslaught of time.
    Taoist Gong tend to be bright and colorful structures, with broad curving roofs that are adorned with divine figures and traditional symbols of luck such as dragons and carp. Taoism is not a selfish faith, and the pagodas may have rooms or shrines dedicated to Buddhist meditation and/or Hindu deities.

Dongtians (Taoist Monasteries) provide culture and allow you to create Taoist Daoshis, who can spread Taoism in other cities. In addition, they increase their city's research output if Taoism is the state religion.

    Dongtian (grotto-heavens) are a type of sacred Taoist site. Grotto-heavens are usually caves, grottoes, mountain hollows, or other underground or semi-underground spaces. Because every community was supposed to have access to at least one grotto, there are many of them all over China.

The Taoist Reliquary provides an additional Priest slot and increases its city's gold output if Taoism is the state religion.

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The Taoist Holy Site increases the impact of state religion effects provided by Taoist buildings and provides a Priest slot. In addition, it increases the yield of trade routes with other Taoist cities. It also provides a Priest slot.

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The Temple of Heaven (Taoist Shrine) increases the gold output and the impact of state religion effects provided by Taoist buildings. In addition, it increases the yield of trade routes with other Taoist cities. It also provides a Priest slot, and additional slots if Taoism is the state religion. It spreads Taoism throughout the world and increases the chances of generating a Great Prophet.

    The Temple of Heaven (Chinese: Tiantán, Manchu: Abkai mukdehun) is a medieval complex of religious buildings situated in the southeastern part of central Beijing. The complex was visited by the Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for annual ceremonies of prayer to Heaven for good harvest. It has been regarded as a Taoist temple, although Chinese heaven worship, especially by the reigning monarch of the day, predates Taoism.
    The temple complex was constructed from 1406 to 1420 during the reign of the Yongle Emperor, who was also responsible for the construction of the Forbidden City in Beijing. The complex was extended and renamed Temple of Heaven during the reign of the Jiajing Emperor in the 16th century. Jiajing also built three other prominent temples in Beijing, the Temple of Sun in the east, the Temple of Earth in the north, and the Temple of Moon in the west. The Temple of Heaven was renovated in the 18th century under the Qianlong Emperor. By then, the state budget was insufficient, so this was the last large-scale renovation of the temple complex in imperial times.

Fire Temples (Zoroastrian Temples) increase a city's happiness and culture. In addition, they provide additional happiness and a Priest slot if Zoroastrianism is the state religion. Fire Temples are required to build the Zoroastrian Royal Fire building.

    A fire temple in Zoroastrianism is the place of worship for Zoroastrians. In the Zoroastrian religion, fire and clean water are agents of ritual purity.

The Royal Fire (Zoroastrian Cathedral) increases its city's cultural output and provides a Priest slot. If Zoroastrianism is the state religion, this effect is increased, and the building provides additional happiness.

    In Zoroastrian tradition, fire temples that can claim to derive their fire directly from Ahura Mazda are called Great Fires or Royal Fires. The priests of these Royal Fires are said to have competed with each other to draw pilgrims by promoting the legends and miracles that were purported to have occurred at their respective sites. Royal Fires represent the most important religious centers of the Zoroastrian elite.

Pirs (Zoroastrian Monasteries) provide culture and allow you to create Zoroastrian Magus, who can spread Zoroastrianism in other cities. In addition, they increase their city's research output if Zoroastrianism is the state religion.

    Pir refers to a site of pilgrimage of the Zoroastrian faith. Pirs range from localized devotional sites to major centers of worship. Among the most well-known pirs are the six mountain pir which can be found in and around the city of Yazd, Iran. However, pirs can be found in cities throughout the Persian world including Kerman, Shiraz and Tehran.

The Zoroastrian Reliquary provides an additional Priest slot and increases its city's gold output if Zoroastrianism is the state religion.

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The Zoroastrian Holy Site increases the impact of state religion effects provided by Zoroastrian buildings and provides a Priest slot. In addition, it increases the yield of trade routes with other Zoroastrian cities. It also provides a Priest slot.

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Adur Farnbag (Zoroastrian Shrine) increases the gold output and the impact of state religion effects provided by Zoroastrian buildings. In addition, it increases the yield of trade routes with other Zoroastrian cities. It also provides a Priest slot, and additional slots if Zoroastrianism is the state religion. It spreads Zoroastrianism throughout the world and increases the chances of generating a Great Prophet.

    Apart from (relatively) minor fire temples, three were said to derive directly from Ahura Mazda, thus making them the most important in Zoroastrian tradition. These were the "Great Fires" or "Royal Fires" of Adur Burzen-Mihr, Adur Farnbag, and Adur Gushnasp. The legends of the great fires are probably of antiquity, for by the 3rd century AD, miracles were said to happen at the sites and the fires were popularly associated with other legends such as those of the folktale heroes Fereydun, Jamshid and Rustam.

    The Bundahishn, a Zoroastrian view of creation finished in the 11th or 12th century AD, states that the Great Fires had existed since creation and had been brought forth on the back of the ox Srishok to propagate the faith, dispel doubt, and to protect all humankind. Other texts observe that the Great Fires were also vehicles of propaganda and symbols of imperial sovereignty.

    The Farnbag fire (translated as 'the fire Glory-Given' by Darmesteter) was considered the most venerated of the three because it was seen as the earthly representative of the Atar Spenishta, 'Holiest Fire' of Yasna 17.11 and described in a Zend commentary on that verse as the "the one burning in Paradise in the presence of Ohrmazd."