The Life & Times of Buddha (Biography from Ancient Civilizations)

Siddhartha Gautama lived 2,500 years ago, but the effects of his life are still shaping the world today. The son of a king, he left a world of wealth and privilege to seek a better life—and he found it in the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. After he had found what he was seeking, he did not retire to a quiet place where he could spend all of his time in meditation. Instead, he devoted himself to sharing what he had discovered with others.

His following grew over the years, and during the centuries that have followed his death, his teachings have spread around the globe. Today, Siddhartha Gautama is known by countless millions—as the Buddha. His wisdom and compassion are legendary, and many have followed the path that he identified, hoping to reach enlightenment as he did. He deliberately chose a humble life rather than the life of a king, but his fame is greater than any he would have earned as a ruler. The Buddha gave himself to poverty and service, but he left a rich and enduring legacy.