* The second is that the founder of Manicheanism was [[Manicheus]], who lived in [[Mesopotamia]]. Manicheanism assimilated much of the Christian message, re-interpreting it to fit the [[Gnostic]] belief system.
Manicheanism was once a major world religion, but has since completely vanished over time. Although it faded out in Europe before the [[medieval era]], the movement gave rise to the [[Cathars]] (also known as the [[Albigensians]]). Manichaeans were divided into two orders, the elect and the auditors.
[[St. Augustine]] of Hippo was a Manichee before he converted to Christianity. He became disillusioned with Manicheanism for several reasons.