What do historians mean by the term axial age?

The term "Axial Age," coined by philosopher Karl Jaspers, refers to a pivotal period around 800 to 200 BCE during which profound philosophical and spiritual developments occurred across different cultures, including China, India, Persia, and Greece. During this time, key figures such as Confucius, Buddha, and Socrates emerged, laying the foundations for major world religions and ethical systems. Historians view the Axial Age as a transformative era that significantly shaped human thought, emphasizing concepts such as morality, individualism, and the nature of existence. It represents a shift from mythological worldviews to more rational and reflective approaches to understanding life and society.