Final answer:
Manichaeism was a dualistic religion from Persia that blended elements of Persian Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, and Christianity. It had competition from Catholic Christianity in Late Antiquity and was spread by Sogdian merchants and traders via the Silk Roads.
Step-by-step explanation:
Manichaeism was a dualistic religion from Persia that emerged in the Sasanid Empire. It blended elements of Persian Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, and Christianity, and believed in the ongoing struggle between good and evil.
Manichaeism was a chief competitor of Catholic Christianity in Late Antiquity until the arrival of Islam. Sogdian merchants and traders played a role in spreading Manichaeism beyond the borders of South Asia and into Europe via the Silk Roads.