Where was Gnosticism founded?

Answer 1

Gnosticism began as early as 200 BCE, despite that much record of its existence became shrouded due to the onset of the Dark Ages brought about by the actions of the Catholic Church. In regards to precisely where and when it originated is open for discussion, as it could have began anywhere near the Mediterranean Sea and Asia Minor.

Good scriptures to read from, if you have further inquiry into the subject of Gnosis are the Nag Hammadi, the Gnostic Gospels and the Pistis Sophia Unveiled.

All in all, gnosis means "knowledge." The insinuation that "gnosis" means "hidden knowledge," is a misconception commonly propagated by members of the Catholic and Protestant religions via the Catholic Office of Propaganda (Sacra Congregatio Christiano Nomini Propagando).

Answer 2

The origins of Gnosticism are lost in history - but elements were known parts were under discussion by Greek philosophers contemporary with the beginning of the Christian era so it was extant at least by then. Some elements may have had even earlier origins with Plato and his contemporaries who were very interested in the idea of the existence of abstract objects separate from tangible objects; Gnosticism is concerned with subjecting the physical world to the world of God which they believed is timeless, eternal, impalpable, and not part of the physical. By the 2nd Century AD the ideas had coalesced into what is generally recognized now as Gnosticism.