Is there any evidence that axiomatic reasoning has been used prior to Thales of Milet (624-547BC), who is generally credited for the "invention" of axioms.


In this context I understand axioms in the original interpretation as checkable facts, whose truth is beyond doubt.


The motivation for my question is the following:


Siddharta Gautoma (563-483BC) based his religion (Buddhism) on "4 Noble Truths" of which the first three are related to observable "truths beyond doubt".


So, assuming that Thales of Milet and Siddharta Gautoma developed their ideas independently, it seems likely that the idea of basing arguments on checkable "truths beyond doubt", has been around for some time and may also have been in use in other cultures.


To clarify: I am not interested in religious debates; therefore I did not list the Noble Truths of Buddhism.



Origins of Axiomatic Reasoning
You'll find an extensive overview of early uses of the axiomatic method in [Axiomatic Philosophy](http://www.amazon.com/gp/search?index=books&linkCode=qs&keywords=8122408117), by Pritam Sen (1996). One of the earliest sources is the *Upanishad* of the Hindu faith, written in the period 1000-500 BC. 


