Ancient Civilization:
Unearthing the Secrets of Human History
By: Giovanni Eka S.
Imagine stepping into a time machine and journeying back to ancient civilizations that thrived thousands of years ago. These fascinating societies, flourishing in diverse corners of the world, shaped the foundations of human culture, technology, and governance. By delving into the mysteries and legacies of ancient civilizations, we gain a profound understanding of our ancestral heritage, embark on a voyage of discovery, and peer into the annals of time to witness the extraordinary accomplishments of those who came before us.
Having set the stage to explore the captivating world of ancient civilizations, we now embark on a journey that traverses the realm of history, seeking to unearth the wonders and unravel the mysteries of these remarkable societies. Get ready to immerse yourself in the captivating stories of some ancient civilizations that continue to fascinate and inspire us today.
Mesopotamia (4000 BC-3500 BC)
Mesopotamia, a civilization located between the Euphrates and Tigris Rivers (modern-day Iraq, Kuwait, and Syria), is considered to be the birthplace of civilization. According to Kenneth Harl, a professor at Tulane University, Mesopotamia is the earliest urban literate civilization on the globe that established the civilization and established the ground rules. One of the most advanced works of this civilization is the Code of Hammurabi, which consists of Hammurabi’s legal decisions that were collected toward the end of his reign including economic law, family law, criminal law, and civil law. The Code of Hammurabi, alongside the civilization itself, is considered to be one of the earliest law products ever discovered in human history.
Ancient Greece (700 BC-323 BC)
Ancient Greece, which spans from the Archaic period in the 8th century BC to the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC, is regarded as one of the most extraordinary civilizations in human history. Greece was a collection of independent city-states with their own unique identity, culture, and form of governance such as Athens, Sparta, Corinth, and Thebes that played a vital role in shaping the course of ancient Greek civilization. Greek civilization was well known for its excellence in the realm of philosophy, producing remarkable philosophers whose ideas continue to influence even in this modern era. Figures like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle were some of the figures who laid the foundations for Western philosophical traditions that would flourish in subsequent centuries through their philosophical inquiries and debates.
Ancient Rome (753 BC-476 AD)
Ancient Rome, a civilization that grew from a humble city-state founded on the Italian Peninsula to a massive empire straddling the Mediterranean, stands as one of the most influential civilizations in world history. The Roman civilization witnessed significant political, social, and cultural development that left an indelible mark on Western Civilization. It transitioned from a republic, with power-vested officials and a senate, to an empire ruled by emperors. Roman law and governance played a pivotal role in shaping the foundations of Western legal systems. The influence of Roman law goes beyond mere terminology. It established fundamental legal principles that have stood the test of time. The concept of “ius gentium”, or the law of nations, which formed the basis of international law, emerged from Roman legal thought.
Ancient civilizations have left an incredible mark on the world and continue to captivate our imagination. From the fascinating cultures of Mesopotamia to the rich heritage of ancient Greece and the mighty empire of Rome, these civilizations have shaped our present in numerous ways. In conclusion, the study of ancient civilizations offers us a glimpse into the past and teaches us valuable lessons. It shows us the ingenuity and creativity of our ancestors, and it inspires us to appreciate the achievements of ancient cultures. By embracing the wisdom of these civilizations, we can shape a better future, guided by the lessons of the past.
References:
Hornblower, S. (2023, March 10). History and culture of Ancient Greece. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/summary/ancient-Greece
Kennedy, L. (2022, August 9). The 6 earliest human civilizations. HISTORY. https://www.history.com/news/first-earliest-human-civilizations
Mark, J. J. (2009, September 2). Ancient Rome. World History Encyclopedia. https://www.worldhistory.org/Rome/
Nicholls, M. (2017). 30-Second Ancient Greece: The 50 most important achievements of a timeless civilization, each explained in half a minute. Ivy Press.
Renger, J. (2023, July 7). Code of Hammurabi. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Code-of-Hammurabi
