<Tr> <Td> <Ul> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> </Ul> </Td> </Tr> <Ul> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> </Ul> <P> The history of Buddhism spans from the 5th century BCE to the present; which arose in the eastern part of Ancient India, in and around the ancient Kingdom of Magadha (now in Bihar, India), and is based on the teachings of Siddhārtha Gautama . This makes it one of the oldest religions practiced today . The religion evolved as it spread from the northeastern region of the Indian subcontinent through Central, East, and Southeast Asia . At one time or another, it influenced most of the Asian continent . The history of Buddhism is also characterized by the development of numerous movements, schisms, and schools, among them the Theravāda, Mahāyāna and Vajrayāna traditions, with contrasting periods of expansion and retreat . </P> <P> Siddhārtha Gautama was the historical founder of Buddhism . He was born a Kshatriya warrior prince in Lumbini, Shakya Republic, which was part of the Kosala realm of ancient India . He is also known as the Shakyamuni (literally: "The sage of the Shakya clan"). </P>

Who was the founder of buddhism and when was it founded