What term is used for the ethnic religions of the ancient world that were not Judaism or Christianity?

The term that refers to the ethnic religions of the ancient world that are distinct from Judaism and Christianity is Paganism. This classification encompasses a wide range of religious practices and beliefs that were often polytheistic, meaning they worshipped multiple gods and deities, as well as localized spiritual traditions. These practices were integral to various cultures, including those of ancient Greece, Rome, and numerous other civilizations, which had their own rich pantheons and myths.

Paganism is characterized by its emphasis on nature, ancestral worship, and rituals that often reflect the agricultural cycles and social customs of the communities practicing these religions. The term does not inherently carry a negative connotation; it simply denotes belief systems that were prevalent before the rise of the Abrahamic faiths, such as Judaism and Christianity, which introduced monotheism—the belief in a single deity.

In contrast, while polytheism refers to the belief in multiple gods, it is a broader category that can include religions that may not be considered "pagan." Animism, on the other hand, refers to the belief that non-human entities, such as animals, plants, and inanimate objects, possess a spiritual essence, which doesn't encompass the entirety of ancient ethnic religions. Thus, Pagan