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Great Resources about Traditions in the Ancient World
Great Resources about Traditions in the Ancient World
Egyptians
Ancient Egypt’s position along the lower Nile in Northern Africa influenced its civilization and the lifestyles of its people. They were able to develop a flourishing agricultural society through the use of irrigation. Their stone quarries and engineering talents left the pyramids we still see today. The mummification rituals of ancient Egypt are among the most well known in the world and the translation of their hieroglyphic writing has revealed much about their culture. Women of ancient benefited from an independence rarely seen in the ancient world.
- The Egyptian Dependence on the Nile: An examination of how the Nile River influenced Egyptian culture.
- Book of the Dead: The ancient book that gave priests instructions on preparing the dead for their journey to the afterlife.
- Ancient Egyptian Beauty Aids: The beauty rituals in Egyptian culture.
- The Role of Women: Egyptian women enjoyed rights similar to those of men.
- Life in Ancient Egypt: Information about marriage, divorce, family, fashion, and recreation.
- The Social Pyramid: A pyramid diagram showing the relative positions of Egyptian social classes.
- Social Life: The detailed essay on the social classes of Egypt.
Persian Empire
The empire that once covered what today is modern Iran, was home to a rich culture. The early Persians were tolerant of many different customs and often easily adapted a blend of customs into their own beliefs and practices. Zoroastrianism was the early dominant religion and was the foundation of many future beliefs. The writing of ancient Persia is one of the earliest forms of cuneiform. The Persians had an appreciation for art and commissioned artists from all over the region to carve stonework and cast intricate gold pieces.
- Zoroastrianism: An overview of the religion of ancient Persia.
- Clothing of Ancient Persia: The clothing styles of Persia before and after the introduction of Islam.
- Women in Ancient Persia: An overview of the role of women in society.
- The Writing of Persia: The Aryan Script alphabet ordered by Darius I.
- Funeral Rituals in Persia: The preparation and rites performed to send the dead to the afterlife.
- Marriage: The Zoroastrian wedding rituals.
- Jewelry and Make-Up: The cosmetics and accessories used by both men and women in ancient Persia.
Greeks
Ancient or classical Greece produced many of the institutions and philosophies that influenced the Roman Empire. The pantheon of Greek gods were adopted by the Romans and renamed. The Greek concept of democracy and their legal system were carried from Rome to the rest of Western Europe. Greek philosophers like Plato and the Greek plays, like the Iliad, are still studied today.
- Death, Burial, and the Afterlife: An essay on the beliefs and rituals related to death and the afterlife.
- The Early Olympics: Learn more about the sports that ancient Greeks engaged in.
- Greek Social Classes: An overview of Greek social classes and a comparison with modern counterparts.
- Growing Up in Ancient Greece: An overview of what Greek childhood was like.
- Women in Ancient Greece: The role of women in Greek society.
- The Wedding Ceremony: A description of the wedding ceremony and associated rituals.
- Greek Mythology: Descriptions and stories of the ancient Greek gods.
- The Cult of Dionysus: Information about the legend of Dionysus and the Dionysus cult and rituals that swept Greece.
Romans
Few civilizations have shaped the world as much as the ancient Romans. From their city state in Italy, they carried their culture to the rest of Western Europe. One of the strengths of the Roman Empire was their willingness to adopt the systems of different cultures. They took their religion, medicine, and philosophy from the Greeks. Their culture of the baths, their games, and their calendar were uniquely Roman.
- Ancient Roman Cosmetics: How Roman women met their culture’s standard of beauty.
- Roman Clothing: The clothes of social classes and genders.
- Apartment Houses in Ancient Rome: Details about the way the average Romans lived.
- Midwives and Maternity Care in Ancient Rome: Information about childbirth practices and the women who served as midwives.
- Antique Roman Dishes: A collection of recipes from ancient Rome.
- Gladiatorial Combat: The role of the gladiator games in Roman culture.
- Roman Festivals and Holidays: A calendar and description of ancient Roman holidays.
- The Roman Bath: The role of social bathing in ancient Rome.
Aztec
The Aztec Empire once ruled over much of what is today central and southern Mexico. They were an ethnically diverse empire with a dominant language of Nahuatl. The Aztecs possessed a complex economic system of agriculture and trade and a strict social hierarchy. The Aztec calendar and understanding of astronomy intertwined with their religious beliefs.
- Political and Social Structure: The organization of Aztec social classes.
- Aztec Civilization: The Aztec calendar and a brief overview of their culture.
- Ancient Aztec Society: An examination of daily life in the Aztec capital.
- Sacrifices: The religious festivals and associated blood offerings rituals.
- Aztec Gods and Deities: A list of the Aztec gods and their domains.
- Family Life: A brief overview of roles within the family.
- Aztec Law: Law and punishment in Aztec society.
Inca
The Inca Empire covered the most territory in the pre-Columbian Americas. Centered in what is today modern Ecuador and Peru, the Inca build extremely complex buildings with carved stone. They tended to build their cities in the Andean mountain sides. The fortress city of Machu Picchu is one of the best preserved examples of their cities. The ritual mummies that they left behind also tell us much about their lifestyles.
- All About the Incas: Details about Inca history and culture.
- Inca Religion: An explanation of Inca religious beliefs and rituals.
- Pre-Columbian Sacrifice: Religious ritual sacrifice and mummification in the Inca world.
- Women of the Inca: The lives and roles of women in Inca society.
- Inca Culture: Photos of artifacts that reflect different aspects of Incan culture.
- Inca Architecture: An exploration of Inca architecture and stone cutting techniques.
- Social Structure and Language: An explanation of the social structure and information on the Quechua language.
Mesopotamia
Considered the Cradle of Civilization, at times Mesopotamia encompassed Sumer and Babylonia. They left behind libraries of cuneiform clay tablets that revealed a lot of details about who they were. The cities of this ancient empire were busy with technological advances of the day. In addition to metal work, the Mesopotamians crafted glass and textiles. They mastered irrigation and were one of the first people to enter the Bronze Age.
- Life in Mesopotamia: An overview of all aspects of life in early Mesopotamia.
- Writing on Clay Tablets: Information on the cuneiform system of writing.
- Medicine: Medicinal practices in Mesopotamia.
- The Role of Women: The familial and social roles played by women.
- Clothing: Clothing and adornment used in Mesopotamia.
- Religion: The religious beliefs and worship practices of the Mesopotamians.
- Mesopotamian Menu: Recipes for an ancient Mesopotamian meal.