The Influence of Ancient Cultures on Modern Society

The way we run our lives and the technology we use every day are both examples of how ancient civilizations have left their mark on the current world. It's wonderful that many modern cultures still use the ideas and inventions of their forefathers.

The idea of democracy, which started in ancient Greece, is still affecting political systems all over the globe. The number system we use today also comes from India and the Middle East.

The Cradles of Civilization: Where It All Began

The rise of cradles of civilization marked the start of a new period in human evolution, one that was marked by established agriculture and sophisticated communities. This important time in history saw the change from living as nomads to building advanced cities. It is widely thought that the first civilizations came about between 4000 and 3000 B.C. in what are now Iraq, Egypt, India, China, Peru, and Mexico.

1. Defining Ancient Cultures and Their Significance

Ancient cultures serve as the foundation for modern communities. These civilizations are important not just because of their history but also because they helped shape human civilization. “Cradles of civilization” is a phrase used to describe the places where some of the first civilizations thrived, setting the stage for later cultural, scientific, and technical progress. These civilizations are important because they came up with new ideas, including writing, ways to run a government, and complicated social structures.

To comprehend how human cultures changed throughout time, the idea of “cradle civilization” is essential. It shows the beginning of civilization, when people started living in permanent settlements, growing crops, and taming animals. This period was a big change from a nomadic, hunter-gatherer way of life to one that was more settled and based on farming. The rise of established agriculture led to more people, specialized jobs, and complex communities.

2. The Transition from Nomadic to Settled Life

The shift from a nomadic to a settled way of life was a major turning point in human history. The agricultural revolution was a big part of this transition, enabling people to grow food instead of just gathering it. As agriculture became more common, people started to move down near big bodies of water, as having water was important for both farming and staying alive.

Staying in one place made it easier to make extra food, allowing people to specialize. Not everyone had to work in food production, so people could do other things like craft, commerce, and rule. This specialization helped create complicated social systems and the first bureaucracies, which were the building blocks of the advanced civilizations we witness today.

Mesopotamia: The Original Innovators

The country between rivers, Mesopotamia, was not only home to ancient communities but also a site where new ideas were born that changed the path of human history. The Tigris and Euphrates rivers came together to provide rich, fertile land and irrigation water. These features made it a fertile area for Neolithic civilizations to grow from 8000 BC to the present day.

1. The Birth of Writing and Record-Keeping

People say that the Mesopotamians came up with cuneiform, the earliest writing system in the world. It started out as a way to keep track of commodities and transactions, but it ultimately became a very advanced writing. This new idea was vital for keeping records and writing, and it was a big step forward in the history of civilization.

“The invention of writing is probably the most important thing that people have ever done, because it made it possible to keep knowledge, thoughts, and ideas for future generations.”

2. Legal Systems and Hammurabi's Code

Hammurabi's Code, which the Babylonian king Hammurabi wrote in 1754 BC, is one of the oldest legal rules that still exist. It was a complete system of laws that encompassed many parts of life, including business deals and family law. This code set the standard that laws should be written down, making it difficult for judges to “make it up as they go along.” The significance of Hammurabi's Code lies in its role in shaping contemporary legal systems.

Legal Aspect	Description	Impact
Commercial Transactions	Laws governing trade and commerce	Standardized business practices
Family Law	Regulations regarding marriage and divorce	Protected individual rights
Criminal Justice	Punishments for crimes	Established a sense of justice

3. Mathematical Concepts We Still Use Today

Mesopotamian mathematicians made important advances in arithmetic, such as creating a sexagesimal (base-60) number system that we still use today to measure time and angles. The 60-minute hour and 60-second minute are proof that Mesopotamian math has had a lasting impact. People all across the globe have started using this new method, which shows how much Mesopotamian civilization has changed contemporary society.

• The sexagesimal method is a crucial tool for calculating angles and time.
• Advanced math ideas for building and farming.
• Improvements were made in maintaining records and writing using cuneiform.

In conclusion, Mesopotamia's contributions to writing, law, and mathematics have had a lasting effect on how contemporary civilization has grown. Mesopotamia is a genuine birthplace of creativity since the new ideas that sprang up between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers still affect civilization today.

Ancient Egypt: Architects of Wonder

A civilization thrived along the banks of the Nile, leaving behind a wealth of new ideas that changed the globe. By 6000 B.C., people had settled on the banks of the Nile to move away from the arid sands. They farmed the land and constructed communities, and by 3100 B.C., these settlements had evolved into busy metropolises governed by pharaohs who were both politicians and gods.

1. Engineering Marvels That Influenced Modern Construction

The pyramids, which are still wonderful to engineers and architects today, are one of the most famous things about the ancient Egyptians. It shows how well they understood math and physics that they could build such enormous buildings without modern machines. The Nile River was crucial for moving materials, and the accuracy and size of these projects have changed how buildings have been built for thousands of years.

Mark Lehner, an Egyptologist, once said, “The pyramid was a monument to the pharaoh's power, but it was also the result of the work of many Egyptians.” The Egyptians were able to foresee Nile floods and plan immense building projects because of advanced project management methods that made this group effort possible.

2. Medical Practices Ahead of Their Time

Egyptian medicine was remarkably sophisticated, with specialized physicians, surgeries, and drug therapies that paved the way for Western medicine. The Ebers Papyrus, an old medical book, shows that people had a deep grasp of how the body works and how to cure different illnesses. Some of their therapies may appear strange to us now, but their dedication to medical knowledge is clear.

• They discussed the use of herbal medicine and surgery.
• They demonstrated their understanding of the importance of maintaining cleanliness in medical procedures.
• Wrote down remedies for a wide range of problems, from injuries to illnesses.

3. Artistic and Religious Influences on Western Culture

Egyptian art and theological ideas have had a lasting effect on Western spirituality and aesthetics. The unique profile position in Egyptian art, often jokingly called “walking like an Egyptian,” served as the most common way to draw people until the Greeks developed more three-dimensional techniques. Furthermore, Egyptian beliefs about the afterlife and divine judgment have had an impact on subsequent Western spiritual traditions. This is why we are still so interested in what happens after we die.

Their new ideas affected more than just art and religion; they also changed algebra, astronomy, and calendar-making. This made it easier to anticipate floods in the Nile and plan big undertakings. This mix of practical and mystical ideas is a defining feature of Ancient Egyptian culture, which is one of the most amazing things in human history.

Indus Valley Civilization: Urban Planning Pioneers

The Indus Valley Civilization is renowned for its sophisticated urban planning, serving as the foundation for modern city construction. Around 7000 B.C., farmers started to create small settlements all throughout the Indus River Valley, which is now in India and Pakistan. By roughly 3300 B.C., these towns had grown into busy cities, which showed how well the civilization could plan ahead.

Harappa and Mohenjo-daro, two of their well-designed cities, could accommodate 40,000 to 50,000 people. These communities were very clean because they used baked-brick structures and advanced sewage and water delivery systems. The grid pattern of their streets shows that a lot of thought went into them, which makes them among the earliest planned towns in the world.

1. Advanced Sewage Systems and Public Infrastructure

The sewage systems of the Indus Valley Civilization were very advanced for their time. They had indoor plumbing and waste disposal long before they became common in other areas of the globe. They constructed public facilities such as baths and granaries to ensure equitable resource distribution. In a way, they came up with the idea of municipal services before the idea of municipalities existed.

• Their excellent sewage systems were a key part of their city design, which kept cities clean and healthy.
• Public infrastructure was built with fairness in mind, making sure that everyone had equal access to resources.

2. Standardization of Weights and Measures

The Indus Valley Civilization also helped trade and business a lot by making weights and measurements the same everywhere. This was one of the first instances of business regulation in history, making it easier for people to trade their land. Their strange writing system, which no one has been able to figure out, is one of history's greatest mysteries.

• Standardizing weights and measures was crucial for making trade and business easier throughout the civilization's vast area.
• Their writing system, which has not yet been figured out, shows how advanced and intricate the Indus Valley Civilization was.

Ancient China: Inventions That Changed the World

One of the world's earliest civilizations came from the Yellow River Valley. It brought with it new ideas that would impact history. Ancient China left behind a legacy of important technologies that have changed the globe.

1. Revolutionizing Communication

The creation of paper and the advancement of block printing techniques transformed the dissemination of knowledge. These new ideas made it possible to share information across long distances before social media came around. As the proverb goes, “knowledge is power,” and Ancient China made important contributions to this field that have helped shape contemporary civilization.

“The invention of paper was a major turning point in human history because it made it possible to write down knowledge and stories that could be shared with many people.”

Paper and printing have had profound effects. It made it easier for literature, scientific discoveries, and cultural interchange to spread, which set the stage for future progress.

2. Silk Production and Global Trade

The Silk Road linked East and West and was the first major commerce route in the world. It was built on the manufacture of silk in ancient China. This process made it easier for civilizations to trade goods and communicate with each other culturally.

Invention	Impact	Legacy
Silk Production	Established global trade networks	Continues to influence fashion and textile industry
Paper and Printing	Revolutionized information sharing	Enabled mass communication and knowledge dissemination
Compass	Transformed navigation and maritime exploration	Facilitated global exploration and trade

3. Maritime Exploration and the Compass

The compass was a major turning point in nautical history because it let sailors go beyond coasts without worrying about getting lost. This innovative idea opened up new ways for people to explore and trade throughout the globe, transforming the world's cultures and economies forever.

• The compass made it possible to navigate with outstanding accuracy, which changed the way people traveled by sea.
• The manufacture and trading of silk made it easier for different cultures to share ideas.
• Printing and paper made it possible for many people to learn new things.

The innovations of ancient China have had a tremendous impact on the present world. Their contributions to commerce, communication, and navigation have had a lasting effect on technology and society across the world.

Ancient Greece: The Foundations of Western Thought

Ancient Greece has given the contemporary world many important things, from the cradle of democracy to the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Ancient Greek city-states had different cultures, but they spoke the same language and had the same religion. This shared culture made it a wonderful place for new ideas and intellectual discovery.

1. Democracy and Political Systems

The establishment of democracy in Athens was a pivotal moment in the evolution of administration. This early version of democracy was only for free men, but it set the stage for current political institutions. The notion of citizens taking part in government has changed throughout time, but it is still a key aspect of democratic society today.

City-State	Form of Government	Notable Features
Athens	Democracy	Citizen participation, election of officials
Sparta	Oligarchy/Military State	Militaristic culture, strict social hierarchy
Thebes	Oligarchy	Confederate alliances, significant military power

2. Philosophy and Critical Thinking

Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle are some of the most famous ancient Greek philosophers. They are known for their work in Western philosophy and critical thinking. The way they ask questions and talk to each other has changed how we think about solving problems and learning new things. The philosophers who encouraged critical thinking have had a lasting effect on many areas, including science and ethics.

• Socrates: He is known for the way he asked questions, which is today termed the Socratic method.
• Plato: He founded the Academy in Athens, which was one of the first places to provide higher education.
• Aristotle made important contributions to ethics, philosophy, and logic.

3. Olympic Games and Modern Sports

The ancient Olympic Games, which took place in Olympia, Greece, showed how important physical strength and a competitive spirit were to the ancient Greeks. The fact that the Olympic Games are back in style now is a clear reference to this old custom. The Olympics are still a worldwide event today, bringing countries together and encouraging sports competition.

It's clear that Ancient Greece had a big impact on current culture. The concepts and processes that came from this ancient society still have an effect on our world today, from how we rule to how we think and compete.

Ancient Rome: Masters of Infrastructure and Governance

Ancient Rome, a civilization that once spread over the Mediterranean, has a lasting effect on how we rule and build things today. Rome started out as a small town on the banks of the Tiber River on the Italian Peninsula approximately in 750 B.C. It grew into one of the largest empires in history, covering vast areas of the Mediterranean and beyond.

1. Roads, Aqueducts, and Architectural Innovations

Roman engineering was famous for being strong and long-lasting, especially in government-funded building projects. The Romans' well-designed roads and water systems remain in use today. Their new ways of building, such as the arch, dome, and concrete, changed the way buildings were made. The Pantheon's concrete dome, for example, has been standing for over 2,000 years. This feat shows how smart the Romans were when it came to building and design.

• The Roman road system was wonderful for its day. It made commerce, communication, and military victories easier throughout the enormous empire.
• Some of their aqueducts still work, which indicates that they knew a lot about managing water and civil engineering.

2. Legal Frameworks That Shape Modern Law

Many current legal systems are based on Roman law. The ideas that laws should be fair, straightforward, and easy to determine, as well as “innocent until proven guilty,” have had a lasting effect. These basic legal frameworks have shaped the way people think about the law for hundreds of years and have impacted how it functions in many nations.

3. Military Strategies Still Studied Today

Roman military structure, tactics, and engineering still have an impact on how current militaries are conceived. Military schools still study their regimented legions, uniform equipment, and fighting tactics. The Romans were able to adapt and improve on other people's ideas, which indicates that they had a practical view of culture and technology.

The heritage of Ancient Rome shows how strong human civilization can be. We recognize the important role that the Romans had in building our contemporary world as we continue to build on the foundations they created.

Maya Civilization: Astronomical Geniuses

The Maya people had a level of knowledge about how the stars moved that no one else had at the time. Around 7000 B.C., people in Mesoamerica started growing maize and beans and building permanent homes. These events led to the development of the advanced cities of the Maya civilization around 1000 B.C. The Maya were genuinely interested in the sky. They built big observatories and kept very detailed records of how planets moved.

1. Calendar Systems and Time Measurement

The Maya built calendar systems that were very precise and could follow the motions of stars and planets with outstanding accuracy. They could keep track of time quite accurately because they had a complex writing system that used both pictures and sounds. The Maya calendar demonstrates their deep understanding of algebra and astronomy, highlighting the deep connection between science and culture.

• The Maya calendar systems were vital to their religion and farming, not just timekeeping.
• They could forecast astronomical occurrences with amazing precision because they knew how the stars moved.
• The accuracy of their calendars demonstrates their excellent grasp of astronomy.

2. Mathematical Concepts and Zero

The Maya mathematicians independently developed the concepts of zero and place-value notation, which were significant innovations comparable to those discovered by the Babylonians and Indians. This new idea was crucial for their astronomical computations since it let them keep track of celestial bodies with amazing accuracy. The Maya could foresee cosmic occurrences because they were very proficient at arithmetic.

The Maya's ability to follow Venus with just a two-hour inaccuracy over 584 days shows how skilled they were at astronomy. Their math ideas were not just theoretical; they could explain the universe and the stars' movements.

Ancient Cultures and Their Impact on Modern Agriculture

By using new ways to farm, ancient societies unknowingly set the stage for the contemporary farming methods we use today. About 12,000 years ago, people stopped being nomads and started farming. This process transformed their connection with the land and set the stage for the rise of complex communities.

1. Irrigation Techniques: From Mesopotamia to Modern Farms

The advanced irrigation systems that the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Indus Valley built made it possible to grow food in places with little rain. These early irrigation methods, which included building canals, dams, and reservoirs, have had an effect on how we manage water now. Farmers all throughout the globe still utilize irrigation to help their crops grow. They employ new technology to make the most of the water they consume.

Technique	Ancient Practices	Modern Practices
Water Source	Rivers (Tigris, Euphrates, Nile, Indus)	Rivers, reservoirs, groundwater
Distribution Method	Canals, dams, reservoirs	Pipelines, drip irrigation, sprinkler systems
Technological Advancements	Manual labor, simple tools	Automated systems, sensors, drones

2. Crop Domestication and Food Staples

Ancient farmers were crucial in domesticating wild plants via selective breeding. This led to the creation of staple crops that are the basis of contemporary agriculture. Through artificial selection, crops like wheat, maize, and rice were created from wild progenitors. This technique made it possible to establish food surpluses that let cities thrive.

Crop	Wild Ancestor	Region of Domestication
Wheat	Wild wheat (Triticum aestivum)	Middle East
Maize (Corn)	Teosinte	Mexico and Central America
Rice	Wild rice (Oryza rufipogon)	Asia

Ancient Writing Systems and Modern Communication

The evolution of writing methods, from clay tablets to touchscreens, shows how people have always wanted to communicate better. About 5,000 years ago, the Sumerians invented writing. They used cuneiform to keep track of grain shipments, tell tales, and provide farming tips.

Writing has changed a lot throughout time, going from cuneiform's wedge-shaped signs on clay tablets to today's text messages full of emojis. Writing systems have changed a lot throughout time. They went from pictures to logographic symbols and then to alphabetic scripts, which made writing easier. The invention of specialized writing instruments and surfaces, including reed styluses on clay and quills on papyrus, made it possible for contemporary keyboards and touchscreens to exist.

This change made writing accessible to all, not just the elite scribal classes. This is similar to how the digital revolution has changed how we communicate now.

The Phoenician alphabet was crucial in the development of modern Western writing systems. It was the basis for Greek, Latin, and many modern alphabets. This typographic family tree goes back thousands of years and shows how previous civilizations have had a big effect on how we communicate now. As writing systems changed, so did the instruments and materials utilized. This evidence indicates that people are always looking for better and easier ways to express themselves.

Ancient Religious Practices and Contemporary Spirituality

The history of ancient religious traditions continues to encourage and influence contemporary spirituality, from ancient temples to modern places of worship. The methods by which ancient societies worshiped, believed, and practiced their religion have had a lasting effect on religious traditions today.

1. Influence on Modern Faiths

Ancient polytheistic religions, with their intricate pantheons of gods, have significantly influenced the evolution of current monotheistic religions. You can see this effect in the way that certain religious structures have distinct rituals, beliefs, and even architectural forms. For example, the usage of holy symbols, the alignment of temples with celestial bodies, and the inclusion of legendary stories in religious texts all show how historical traditions have affected how people practice religion today.

Ancient Practice	Modern Influence
Polytheistic Deities	Monotheistic Faiths
Sacred Symbols	Religious Iconography
Celestial Alignments	Church and Temple Architecture

2. Rituals and Ceremonies That Persist

People still practice many old religious rituals today, albeit in different ways. This shows how powerful spiritual routines may be. These traditions have changed throughout time, adding new meanings while keeping their original meaning. They range from purifying rites to seasonal festivals. The fact that these rituals have lasted so long shows how much people want to connect with something bigger than themselves and how important it is to worship together.

Some examples of rituals that have lasted across time include reading religious books, following dietary rules, and celebrating important life events like births, marriages, and funerals. These customs not only connect us to the past, but they also connect old ways of thinking with new ways of contemplating spirituality.

Ancient Medicine: The Roots of Modern Healthcare

Ancient medicine has had a lasting effect on modern medicine, from herbal treatments to surgical methods. The Egyptians, Chinese, and Greeks were among the first people to have a deep grasp of anatomy and physiology. This knowledge is the basis for contemporary medicine.

1. Herbal Remedies and Pharmacology

Plants were widely employed for medicine by ancient civilizations, and they wrote down how they used them in manuscripts that are still around today. Ancient societies utilized plants for medicine, contributing to about 25% of today's prescription medications. For instance, the Egyptians used plants such as garlic and chamomile for their health benefits.

Herb	Ancient Use	Modern Equivalent
Chamomile	Digestive issues	Anti-inflammatory
Garlic	Infections	Antibiotic properties

2. Surgical Techniques and Anatomical Knowledge

Ancient doctors were the first to use several surgical methods, such as trepanation (drilling holes in the skull) and cataract removal. These methods, albeit basic by today's standards, set the groundwork for contemporary surgery. For instance, the ancient Greeks made important contributions to surgery, and doctors like Hippocrates wrote down precise surgical methods.

Surgical Technique	Ancient Practice	Modern Practice
Trepanation	Relieving pressure on the brain	Craniectomy
Cataract Removal	Couching (displacing the cataract)	Phacoemulsification

Ancient Mathematics and Scientific Discoveries

Ancient mathematicians and scientists produced important discoveries that changed how people think and remain an inspiration for new discoveries today. The ancient civilizations of Babylon, Egypt, and Greece, among others, made important contributions to the fields of math and science. Their ideas still shape how we think and create today.

1. Geometric Principles and Architectural Applications

The ancient Greeks produced important discoveries in the subject of geometry. More than 2,500 years ago, the Pythagorean theorem remained crucial for construction and navigation. Ancient mathematicians set down geometric rules that still apply to architecture and engineering today. This evidence evidence shows that mathematical truths are genuinely eternal.

• Examples of geometric forms used in architecture, such as the pyramid and the column, demonstrate the practical application of math in everyday life.
• Trigonometry made it possible to do more precise math in building and finding your way around.

2. Astronomical Observations and Calendar Systems

Using just their eyes and basic instruments, ancient astronomers were able to keep very accurate records of celestial motions. For instance, the ancient Babylonians had a complex system of astronomy that let them forecast eclipses and changes in the seasons. For example, the Babylonian calendar was based on observations of the moon and the sun.

1. The ancient Maya culture created a vigesimal (base-20) number system that is being researched today because it was so advanced and complicated.
2. The Babylonians employed a base-60 system, still in use today, to measure time, dividing 60 seconds into a minute and 60 minutes into an hour.

The creation of ancient number systems and scientific tools like the astrolabe, water clock, and sundial showed that natural events could be observed and anticipated. This was the start of the scientific method. These ancient civilizations' ideas still affect current science and math, which shows how smart and creative they were.

Art and Literature: Ancient Aesthetics in Modern Culture

Ancient aesthetics are still very much alive in current society, from the sizes of Greek statues to the storylines of Roman epics. The impact of ancient civilizations on art and literature demonstrates the enduring allure of their artistic contributions.

1. Classical Influences in Contemporary Art

The aesthetic ideas of the Greeks and Romans still affect art, architecture, and design today. Modern design still employs the golden ratio, a concept from ancient Greek arithmetic, to create visually appealing compositions. Ancient Greece's classical orders of columns continue to embellish government buildings and other structures. They stand for tradition and power.

Sculpture, painting, and mosaic from ancient times have also had a lasting effect. Even if they are breaking with tradition and coming up with new ideas, artists today nevertheless study the rules of proportion, perspective, and representation that their ancestors set down.

2. Mythological Narratives in Modern Storytelling

Old myths have given us the motifs and storyline patterns that still rule current stories. The hero's journey, which comes from old stories, is still a common theme in modern books and movies. Tragic defects and supernatural intervention, which come from old legends, nevertheless have an effect on the stories we tell today.

Ancient literary genres have also had a big impact on contemporary literature, theater, and cinema. Epic poetry, tragedy, and comedy have established timeless guidelines for storytelling. This evidence evidence shows that a strong story structure is genuinely ageless.

How Ancient Technologies Evolved Into Modern Innovations

The technologies that ancient civilizations created are still useful today, which shows how smart they were. Ancient civilizations were skilled at addressing the challenges of their day, often using solutions that have endured through the ages.

1. From Water Wheels to Hydroelectric Power

Managing water resources has been crucial for the development of civilizations throughout history. Roman aqueducts, Persian qanats, and Chinese water wheels are examples of ancient water management technologies that were groundbreaking and have since been developed into current hydroelectric power and water treatment systems.

Water wheels along rivers were an early way to utilize energy, and this technique has continued to change throughout time. Hydroelectric power is becoming a major source of renewable energy across the globe.

Ancient Technology	Modern Equivalent	Impact
Roman Aqueducts	Modern Water Treatment	Improved public health
Chinese Water Wheels	Hydroelectric Power	Renewable energy source
Persian Qanats	Irrigation Systems	Enhanced agricultural productivity

2. Metallurgy and Manufacturing

The discovery and development of metallurgy in antiquity established the groundwork for contemporary industry. Ancient metallurgical discoveries were crucial in setting the rules that led to the Industrial Revolution and current materials science. These discoveries included anything from the first copper implements to advanced steel-making methods.

Ancient civilizations were quite adept at coming up with new ideas and changing their ways of doing things. They frequently got excellent outcomes with little harm to the environment. This legacy continues to shape modern manufacturing processes.

Conclusion

Ancient civilizations have had a lasting effect on current life, from the calendars we use to the tales we tell. These civilizations have had an effect on almost every part of our existence, from our politics to our everyday lives.

Learning about the new ideas of past civilizations helps us understand how human knowledge builds on itself. We owe a great deal to the numerous generations of problem-solvers who preceded us, setting the foundation for our current actions. Furthermore, old knowledge may sometimes help us solve current difficulties, especially when it comes to constructing communities and farming in a way that doesn't harm the environment.

Learning about ancient civilizations may help us see our society's successes and problems in a new light. It serves as a reminder that while civilizations may fade away, human creativity endures. We can better comprehend the present and plan for the future by looking at the past.

The legacy of ancient civilizations goes across time and space, linking us to our common human history. It reminds us that we are part of a vast, ongoing tale of how people have been creative and adapted. As we go ahead, it's important to value and learn from the cultures that have influenced our globe.

In conclusion, ancient civilizations have had a big and complicated effect on current society. We may learn more about ourselves and our position in the world now by accepting our history and the accomplishments of earlier civilizations.