For centuries, ancient religions have been around. They have helped people find answers to life and death questions. Find out more about the Greek, Roman and Mesopotamian religions. Understanding our identity and that of others is possible through ancient religions. Learn about the role of rituals in different cultures.
Mesoamerican Religions
Many deities were associated with nature and the cycles in nature. The feathered snake was a prominent divinity. This creature was revered as a messenger between the heavens and the earth. It was worshipped throughout Mesoamerica from the Pre-Classic to Post-Classic periods. Temples to this divinity were constructed in cities like Nahua or Teotihuacan.
Maya culture was dominated by religion. It provided authority to the rulers and provided a moral code to help the people in conflict. It served to motivate communities and was even used as a justification for war. However, many Mesoamerican civilisations saw religion as more than just a religious role.
Greek religions
One of the most intriguing ancient religions is the Greek one. Rituals are centered on animal sacrifices and a sense that community. The Greeks were also famous for their dramatic dramas, and this classic tragedy, Prometheia, blends the best of classical drama with lessons about Greek religion. While there are many Greeks who follow religion today, the Greeks were unique in that they often considered their own society to be outsiders.
The Greeks understood religion as a way out of death, and their gods could be described as very human. Unlike most modern religions, there was no separation between the state and the church, and Greek gods were very real. They may have been inspired to tell their stories by real-life events.
Roman religions
Ancient Roman religions didn’t have a single belief. Instead, they relied on a number of superstitions and rituals. The result was a religion less spiritual than a contractual relationship between man with the forces and nature. Jupiter, for instance, was the god the sky. It was similar to the sky gods in other Indo-European cultures.
Romans believed in a number of gods, most of whom were animistic. According to animistic belief, spirits are everywhere and all people are watched over. Gradually they began to add deities that represented abstract forces. Dea Roma was the personification for the spirit of Rome and Concordia the goddess of peace. Also, Victoria, the Roman equivalent of Nike in Greek was also called Victoria.
Mesopotamian religions
The ancient Mesopotamian religions were based on the worship of gods, which were often linked with different aspects of nature. Additionally, they were often associated with particular cities or 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 upon meeting the gods' needs, which included festivals and ceremonies for marriage, birth, and death.
The primary role of priests was as intermediaries between people and gods. Eventually, kings emerged to rule Mesopotamia. These kings were imbued in semi-divine authority. They ruled with the gods' favor. Priests were the most prominent members of Mesopotamian society.
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 a peaceful, non-violent religion, promoting a life free from violence and the exploitation of animals.
Indians believe in many religions and beliefs. While there are some religious beliefs that cross religions, the majority of Indians believe in karma. It is believed that good deeds lead to reward and bad ones bring about punishment. Seventy-two per cent of Hindus, Christians, and Jains believe that karma is true. The majority of Hindus as well as Muslims believe in some kind of heaven.