History lets us read about the perspectives of different groups, genders, or classes and the

impact that their views have had on shaping the future of the world (Postma). “ Studying alien

religious beliefs, strange customs, diverse family patterns and vanished social structures” of our

diverse predecessors can help us understand how people in the past tried to make sense of the

world around them (McNeill).This understanding of the past can aid modern humans in

recognizing the sameness and difference the recorded past holds from the present so they are

“ready to respond to the unexpected events that life generates”(Perry). 

History also helps us understand how different ideologies proved to be beneficial or

detrimental for the growth of nations and the world. By reading about what “innumerable heroes

and villains” did in distant times we can truly comprehend “human capacities for good and evil”

(McNeill). History provides an opportunity to understand and learn from the experiences of those

who lived before us.

Three figure that we learned about during this class, demonstrate how religious

ideologies had a huge impact on the history of civilization. These three figures are: Hammurabi,

who invented Hammurabi’s laws, Ashoka, who reformed his kingdom as per Buddhist

principles, and Confucius who created the Confucian state religion. All these key historical

figures had strong religious ideologies that shaped their civilizations greatly.

Hammurabi’s Code was a written set of 282 laws during the time of King Hammurabi’s

rule in Babylonia. Although it was not the first set of laws, it is the earliest intact proof of laws. It

gained its’ legitimacy from the legitimacy of Hammurabi (Schoolcraft College, “Mesopotamia”).

Hammurabi was able to derive his legitimacy from the Babylonian god of justice, whom his

people prayed to (Schoolcraft College, “Mesopotamia”). The code unified the people of the
empire through common standards and served as another way to maintain Hammurabi’s

authority over the people.

Ashoka was also remembered for his ideologies. After a brutal war lead him to convert to

Buddhism, Ashoka went on to spread Buddhist principles throughout the land and reform his

kingdom to abide by Buddhist principles as well (Green). He believed that all his people should

live in harmony and was known for being a just ruler. Because of this, the Mauryan period

during which Ashoka ruled, was also a time of great peace and economic prosperity, as trade

routes became more secure. However, Buddhism was unable to last long after the Mauryan

period, and eventually fell from its’ position as a reigning ideology in India.

Confucianism was made up of the ideologies of the philosopher Confucius. He was of

noble descent but had little wealth. During his life, he experienced the downfall of unified

imperial rule in China (Schafer 61). He believed in the value of scholarship and merit above all

else, and this was reflected in his writings. Confucianism as a state religion helped reshape the

central government of China in ways that lead it to prosper. However, Confucian state religion,

also brought upon the ruthless destruction of the temples of local gods as a way to rid the people

of superstitions (Schafer 61).

The examples of Confucius, Ashoka, and Hammurabi, and the role that religion played in

their lives help us understand a lot about the civilizations that existed in the past. As historians,

we can understand how all their religions helped bring about political and economic success, but

had weak points, as well. This helps us understand that all of the choices we make in our own

lives have both pros and cons. It is important for us to thrive to make the best decisions, but

understand that in real life, it is very rare to have a perfect solution to your problems. As a result,
we need to be accountable, and think deeply about the long-term repercussions of our choices

and beliefs.
 Works Cited

Green, John. "Crash Course: Buddha and Ashoka." n.d. HIST 134 Etext. Crash Course. 23 April
2020.
McNeill, William H. “Why Study History? (1985).” American Historical
Association, www.historians.org/about-aha-and-membership/aha-history-and-archives/historical-
archives/why-study-history-(1985). Accessed 12 May 2020.

Perry, David M. “How History Can Help Us Predict the Next Pope.” The Atlantic, Atlantic
Media Company, 12 Mar. 2013, www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2013/03/how-
history-can-help-us-predict-the-next-pope/273945/.

Postma, Michael. "What Can History Teach Us Today?" 2011. ASCD.org. Web. 23 April 2020.

Schafer, Edward H. Ancient China. Great Ages of Man: A History of the World's Cultures. NY:
Time Life Books, 1967.

Schoolcraft College. "2.2 Mesopotamia." n.d. HIST 134 E-Text. Web. 19 June 2020.