Religion in early societies

Religion and its (social) ´value´ for four different societies (Roman, Egypt, Aztec, Maya)

Essay , 2000 , 8 Pages

Ethnology / Cultural Anthropology

A rather comprehensive essay regarding the importance of religion as focal point of ethnicity and, with it, social identity. Four distinct societies are ´examined´: Roman, Maya, Aztec, and ancient Egypt. Author has some M.A.-level prior knowledge, the essay is quite comprehensive and quite well researched (according to the feedback recieved).

Table of Contents

• Aztecs
• Egypt
• Maya
• Rome

Objectives and Key Themes

This assignment examines the impact of ritual and religious beliefs on four early societies: the Aztecs, Egyptians, Maya, and Romans. It aims to compare and contrast the extent to which these religious systems influenced the societies' internal structures and their interactions with other cultures, including both peaceful exchange and conflict. Key themes explored include:

• The role of religion in shaping worldview and social integration
• The use of religion as a tool for political control and legitimacy
• The impact of religious beliefs on cultural contact and movement of people
• The relationship between religion and the development of specialized professions and social hierarchies
• The significance of religious rituals in defining cultural identity

Chapter Summaries

Aztecs

Aztec society was profoundly influenced by religion, which served as a unifying force and provided the framework for their worldview. The Templo Mayor, dedicated to the gods Huitzilopochtli and Tlaloc, served as the cosmological center of the empire. Human sacrifice was a central ritual practice, believed to ensure the survival of the Aztec world. Religion played a significant role in Aztec politics, with sacrifice used to instill fear in the population and prevent uprisings. The state religion was imposed on conquered territories, but foreign religious customs were also incorporated into Aztec culture. Aztec beliefs about the end of the world contributed to their downfall, as they saw the Spanish conquest as a sign of the world's end.

Egypt

Egyptian religion, particularly the belief in the afterlife, was a central axis of society. Monumental religious architecture, such as pyramids and temple complexes, served as symbols of power and religious beliefs. The deification of the Pharaoh and the elaborate rituals surrounding the afterlife required a complex administrative system and skilled workforce, leading to the development of specialized professions and a complex social hierarchy. Egyptian religious practices, architecture, and beliefs influenced neighboring cultures in Africa, with evidence of Egyptian influence found in the Napata and Meroë cultures. The uniqueness and iconic nature of Egyptian religion helped to preserve its cultural identity even under foreign rule.

Maya

Maya rulers were considered descendants of gods, and their religious functions legitimized their power and status. The Maya state religion played a vital role in maintaining social order and ensuring fertility. Religious rituals and beliefs, including the 260-day count calendar, the ballgame, and elaborate art and craft traditions, contributed to a strong sense of Maya identity. Religion played a significant role in inter-city relations, with victorious rulers often changing the religious order of conquered cities. The arrival of the Itza tribe in Chichen Itza demonstrates the influence of religion in cultural contact and migration.

Rome

Religion and mythology played an important role in defining early Roman identity. The mythical founders of Rome, Remus and Romulus, provided a supernatural origin story that fostered a sense of community and pride. The Roman state cult, which included the veneration of emperors as gods, served as a unifying force and tool for political control. The deification of emperors helped to legitimize their rule and create a sense of unity within the empire.

Keywords

This preview focuses on the interplay of religion, culture, and power in early societies. Key terms include: ritual, religious beliefs, social integration, cultural contact, political control, worldview, identity, monumental architecture, sacrifice, afterlife beliefs, and the impact of these factors on the development of societies and their interactions with other cultures.

• Course: Archäologie und Ethnologie
• Author: M.A. Christopher Knapp (Author)
• Publication Year: 2000
• Pages: 8
• Catalog Number: V211013
• ISBN (eBook): 9783656391036
• Language: English
• Tags: religion, roman, egypt, aztec, maya