Manichaeism is a religious philosophy founded by the prophet Mani in the 3rd century CE. It combines elements from various religions, including Zoroastrianism, Christianity, and Buddhism. The core belief of Manichaeism is the struggle between good and evil, represented by the forces of light and darkness. Followers believe that the material world is a battleground where these opposing forces clash. The teachings of Manichaeism spread widely across the Roman Empire and into Asia, attracting many followers. However, it faced persecution and eventually declined by the late medieval period. Despite this, its ideas influenced other religious and philosophical movements throughout history.