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Sarah Marlett
History 134
The purpose of this paper is to answer one question: what can I, as a historian of the
ancient world, learn and apply from the history of my ancient ancestors to my own role in
contributing to and acting responsibly for the betterment of society? Throughout this Ancient
History course I have learned about many different historical people and civilizations, all of
which have had a lasting impact on our world and society this present day. The one topic that I
believe to have one of the largest impacts from the ancient world to our present day society is
religion/morals and traditions and in this paper I will provide you with 3 examples of this.
First up is the Mauryan Empire and the religion called Buddhism. Buddhism was formed
in the 5th century B.C.E (Buddhism Origins, Buddhism History, Buddhism Beliefs).
Buddhism gained popularity because it came during a time where traders and merchants were no
longer of higher social class (regardless of their wealth), and monks were treated equally
regardless of their social or economical status. Ashoka, a rule of the Mauryan Empire, converted
to Buddhism after taking the throne and decided to apply the Buddha's teachings to his
government; he built monasteries and created shelters for Buddhist pilgrims. Ashoka became
the model for many subsequent rulers throughout Asia who affiliated themselves with
Buddhism, (Buddhism Origins, Buddhism History, Buddhism Beliefs). The Mauryan Empire
went from bloody wars and selfishness to a more peaceful society all because of Buddhism. In
the article Why Study History? by William McNeill he says this: broadening our humanity
and extending our sensibilities by recognizing sameness and difference throughout the recorded
past is therefore an important reason for studying history, and especially the history of peoples
far away and long ago. Understanding the Mauryan Empires history of Buddhism, can
encourage us as a society to become more peaceful and open to new or different religious beliefs.
Second up is the Greek civilization which used their religion to better their society. The
Greeks believed in many gods and each god represented a certain human characteristic (for
example, Athena was the goddess of wisdom). Religion in ancient Greece was used as a form of
self expression and was practiced ceremonially and individually. Greek religion revolved around
prayer and sacrifices to the gods in hopes of making them happy. A very interesting note about
Greek religion is that both women and men could be priests. The priests were usually the same
gender as the god that they specifically served; they would orchestrate and host many religious
ceremonies and delivered prayers, bringing Greek citizens closer together, (Greek Religion).
The Greek religion was practiced by many and gave many people hope. I believe modern society
today could use a little more hope and dedication to our morals, and understanding past
civilizations and their religious beliefs or traditions could be a paving stone for our future. In the
article What Can History Teach us Today? Michael Postma says, historical narratives offer us
The final example I have of an ancient civilization that used their religion to better their
society is ancient Arabia. In a time of war and conflict, the religion of Islam set out to remove
barriers of race and nationality, (Islam From the Beginning to 1300). Islam spread so far and
wide and it spread so quickly because of its simplicity. Islam is a very peaceful religion and at its
core it united people based on how accepting it was of other peoples beliefs, languages and
customs. Islam changed Arabia and it changed the world just by its belief of unity.
peoples beliefs and customs. In a lot of these ancient civilizations religion promoted unity with
one another, instead of the segregation it sometimes causes in todays society. I believe as a
society we need to get back into having unity with one another and being more accepting of
other people and their beliefs. Learning about these ancient civilizations and people can help us
be more aware of what works as a society and what doesnt. In todays society we value STEM
and vocational related education over history and liberal arts education, and we need to be
passionate about learning and being educated on both ends of the spectrum, (How History Can
Perry, David M. "How History Can Help Us Predict the Next Pope." The Atlantic. Atlantic
"Buddhism Origins, Buddhism History, Buddhism Beliefs." Patheos. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Aug.
2017.
Cartwright, Mark. "Greek Religion." Ancient History Encyclopedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Aug.
2017. <http://www.ancient.eu/Greek_Religion/>.
"Islam From The Beginning To 1300." Islam, The Spread Of Islam. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Aug.
2017.
McNeill, William H. "Why Study History? (1985)." Why Study History? (1985) | AHA. N.p., n.d.
Postma, Michael. "What Can History Teach Us Today?" ASCD Express 6.22 - What Can History