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Ancient Civilizations Religion and its Impact on Modern Society

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

stories of humility, courage, wisdom, andmost importanthope.

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.

In todays world we tend to have prejudices and closed-mindedness towards other

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

Help Us Predict the Next Pope).


Bibliography

Perry, David M. "How History Can Help Us Predict the Next Pope." The Atlantic. Atlantic

Media Company, 12 Mar. 2013. Web. 12 Aug. 2017.

"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.

Web. 12 Aug. 2017.

Postma, Michael. "What Can History Teach Us Today?" ASCD Express 6.22 - What Can History

Teach Us Today?N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Aug. 2017.

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