Manichaeism, founded by Mani in the third century, spread widely along Silk Road routes.
Mani was a religious teacher from the Sasanian Empire who lived in the third century CE. His faith combined elements drawn from Christianity, Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, and other traditions, and it presented itself as a universal religion intended for different peoples. Missionaries carried Manichaean teachings eastward and westward through commercial and political networks.
The religion gained influence in Central Asia and China. Sogdian merchants played an important role in transmitting Manichaean texts and communities. The Uyghur Khaganate adopted Manichaeism as its state religion in 763, strengthening the faith’s position in Inner Asia. Manichaean communities also existed in Tang China.
Manichaeism is often confused with Zoroastrianism because both originated in the Iranian cultural sphere and used strong images of light and darkness. They were separate religions. Manichaeism eventually declined under changing political and religious conditions, though manuscripts discovered in Central Asia preserve evidence of its wide reach.