The ancient religions are still around today after centuries of existence. They provide answers to questions concerning life and death. Learn about the Greek and Roman religions, as well as Mesopotamian beliefs. We can learn from ancient religions how to identify ourselves and the lives of those around us. The importance of rituals and their impact on the lives of different groups will also be discussed.
Mesoamerican Religions
Many deities were associated with nature and the cycles in nature. The feathered serpent was a prominent divinity. The feathered serpent was worshiped between heaven and Earth as a messenger. It was widely worshiped throughout Mesoamerica during the Pre-Classic and Post-Classic periods. Temples to this divinity were constructed in cities like Nahua or Teotihuacan.
Maya culture's most important feature was its religion. It gave authority to rulers and served as a moral code for people involved in conflicts. It was also used to encourage morale in communities and as a basis for justifying war. However, in many of the Mesoamerican civilizations, the role of religion was more political than religious.
Greek religions
The Greek religion is one the most fascinating ancient religions. Rituals center around animal sacrifices, and a sense if community. Prometheia combines the best of classical drama and lessons from Greek religion. The Greeks are also known for their dramatic dramas. Although many Greeks today practice religion, the Greeks are a distinct group that often considered themselves outsiders to their society.
The Greeks considered religion a way of living, and their gods very human. And unlike modern religions that separate the church from the state, the Greek gods are very real. The real-life events they witnessed may have inspired their stories.
Roman religions
The ancient Roman religions did not have one central belief. They were based on many rituals, superstitions and taboos. It was a religion which was less about a spiritual experience but more like a contractual relationship between man, nature and the forces of it. For example, the god Jupiter was the god of the sky, similar to the sky gods of other Indo-European peoples.
Romans believed many gods, most of them animistic. According to animistic belief, spirits are everywhere and all people are watched over. Gradually, they added deities that represented abstract social powers. Dea Roma was the personification the spirit or Rome. Concordia was the goddess for harmony. Also, Victoria, the Roman equivalent of Nike in Greek was also called Victoria.
Mesopotamian religions
The ancient Mesopotamian religions centered on the worship and interconnection of gods with nature. In addition, they were associated with specific cities and livestock. Additionally, it was believed that the gods had human-like forms and often responded to their surroundings with emotion or reason. Their worship was based around meeting the needs the gods. This included marriage and birth ceremonies, as well as festivals.
The principal role of priests was to be intermediaries between the gods, the people, and the gods. Mesopotamia was eventually ruled by kings. These kings were imbued with semi-divine authority and ruled with the god's favor. Priests were, however the most important people in Mesopotamian culture.
Indian religions
Jainism is an ancient religion from India that dates back around the ninth century BCE. This religion is rooted firmly in the dharma (morality), of the past, and focuses on the consequences one's actions have. It is peaceful and nonviolent religion that promotes the freedom from violence and the exploitation animal.
Indians hold many different religious traditions and beliefs. While some religions may cross religious lines, Indians hold a wide range of beliefs and belief systems. Most Indians believe that karma is the idea that good deeds will be rewarded while bad ones will result in punishment. Seventy percent of Hindus (Christians and Jains) believe in karma. The majority Hindus and Muslims also believe there is some form of heaven.