Idea Contribution by Ancient World

Amanda Winter

4/19/2012

Ancient World

Time travels but leaves behinds its marks. Every generation that passes, adds to the human civilization. In the history, the most prominent names are of Roman, Greek and Latin civilizations. These civilizations are still known to have put a great impact on society. The impact on trade, law, administration, culture, the religion and the role of the individual are most prominent.

Ancient world is considered the period thousands of years back from now. These people were mostly hunters and farmers. They had learnt to settle down in the colonies and lead a social life. In societies, the ancient people required societal and social laws and regulations.

Impact of ancient world on Government laws

Romans were the first in known history to lay down rules for governing people. Law of the Twelve Tables was first Roman law. The law differentiated private law from public law. The public law is one that is pertaining to state issues like tax and courts (The Influence of The Roman Empire, n.d.). Private law is about settling down disputes among the people.

The Roman Private Law formed the basis of Civil Law. The private and business concerns of people were dealt under this law. The law also provided a basis for private international law (The Influence of The Roman Empire, n.d.). The Romans used to hold trials where respectable people of the society used to evaluate cases and decide cases based on evidences and witnesses. The guilty was punished after the trial and one that was not found guilty was discharged from trial. This practice is still intact in the sophisticated courts of today (The Influence of The Roman Empire, n.d.).

The American concept of “innocent until found guilty” is also adopted from the Roman law. The Roman society did not hold anyone responsible until the charges against him were proved wrong.

Democracy finds its roots in Roman culture. They valued the opinion of society. Decisions were made based on public consent. Often people were collected in open areas or grounds to brief them on issues and get their opinion of the critical state issues (The Influence of The Roman Empire, n.d.).

The Romans had laws to make laws. They had two-house system. The issue to make laws on was first discussed in assembly of citizens called committee it was after hat proceeded to an upper house or senate. The two-house system is still practiced in most of countries including most developed ones.

Romans believed in the idea of social service. It is therefore that they took special interest in building roads, travelers inns, and water and sewerage drain system in the cities. The government was considered responsible for offering public goods. Besides basic roads and sanitation, even entertainment was a states’ job. State used to hold carnivals and games that invited people from distant places enjoy or display their talent.

Impact of ancient world on Religion

Ancient civilizations followed religion in one way or the other. They had gods, idols and goddesses to worship. Some of them worshipped the heavenly bodies and believed in the power of astrology. The Romans, when introduced to Christianity, became proponents of this religion. They practiced religion regularly. There were religious believes that were observed on continuos basis. The family norms were also based on the religion they followed. Religion was a source of power as well as a source of spirituality for them. Idols and gods were considered the mainterners ad Sustainers of the universe. The idea is still the basis of many religions. The majority of world religions consider God as the supreme power. However, unlike Christianity, the Romans were not monotheists and believed in multiple gods.

Impact of ancient world on Role of Individual

It is individuals that