Buddhist history began in the 5th century BCE with the life of Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha. He attained enlightenment and shared his teachings, which emphasized the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, leading to the establishment of the Sangha, or community of monks and followers. Over the centuries, Buddhism spread across Asia, adapting to various cultures. It split into different schools, such as Theravada and Mahayana, each with unique practices and beliefs. Today, Buddhism is a major world religion, with millions of followers and a rich tradition of philosophy and meditation.