Ancient Civilisations And Mythology

Mythology has played a crucial role in shaping civilisations’ social structures and belief systems, serving as fundamental tools that have defined the human experience and provided a sense of guidance and purpose to life. While each ancient civilisation had its own unique mythological creatures, gods or heroes whose deeds were often celebrated, many similar themes such as creation, death and balance were shared amongst them.

Mesopotamia

Also called the “Cradle of Civilisation”, Mesopotamia, a region of the middle east containing what is now known as Iraq and portions of its neighboring states,  was home to some of the world’s first cities and empires. It also had one of the earliest mythological systems. Their creation myth Enuma Elish describes the birth of the world out of a state of chaos and conflict between the Mesopotamian gods, and it led to the belief that maintaining order was the responsibility of both the gods and human rulers. One of the oldest works of literature, The Epic of Gilgamesh, dating back to 2100 BC tells us about Mesopotamian reflection on the meaning of life and an understanding of their own mortality.

Ancient Egypt

Ancient Egyptian mythology shaped every aspect of its people’s lives, from the construction of the great pyramids to their mummification burial practices. Many of the Egyptian gods were linked to life, death and the universe, with many variations on the theme of creation across different regions. At the heart of Egyptian philosophy was the concept of Ma’at – the representation of truth, balance and order that was believed necessary for a balanced society. Such was the influence of these beliefs that they also impacted on other cultures such as the Greeks and early Christians.

Ancient Greece

Greek mythologies are perhaps one of the most well-known and influential in the world. They not only influenced the Greeks themselves, but other cultures that came afterwards. Greek mythology is known for its heroic myths, aiding its people with their understanding of natural phenomena and moral life lessons. Myths such as that of Prometheus reflected societal values and the quest for knowledge and innovation. The Greeks believed the gods had influential power over everything and regularly showed their devotion through practices such as the Olympic Games and the Dionysia festival.

Ancient China

Chinese mythology is complex and also differs in many regions. As with many ancient civilisations, China had its own creation mythology, the story of Pangu, which emphasises the Chinese focus on balance, harmony and the cyclical nature of life. Ancient Chinese culture believed in the afterlife and that the spirits of the dead could influence the living. Chinese families would therefore carry out rituals and make offerings at family shrines to provide for their ancestors.

If you have any questions for Oxford Home Schooling you can Contact Us.