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Joseph Paul
Dyer
HIST 134
27 April 2015
Portfolio Reflection
As each individual comes of age and begins to learn history, the
implications and relevance of it can sometimes be obscured. While we
grow older the value history provides steadily becomes more and more
advantageous. We must all ask ourselves what can I as a historian of
the ancient world learn and apply from the history of my ancient
ancestors to my own role in contributing towards the betterment of
society1- the answer lies in the influence and role of religion/morals and
traditions.
The first reference of this in ancient history came from the classical
Greeks. In the ancient Greek world religion was personal, direct and
present in all areas of life (Cartwright 1). Although not every aspect of
Greek religion was positive of even particularly authentic, the influence
the Greek ideals and theology would have on many societies to come
was astounding. Although not every Greek fully immersed themselves
in the conviction of the morality they understood a base set of rules
surrounding the idea that the gods were real, they could influence

1 See M15 Assignment: Portfolio Reflection, assignment instructions.

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human affairs and they welcomed and responded towards acts of
piety2.
The second allusion comes from the Persian Empire and more
specifically the improbable rise of Zoroastrianism, which provided the
framework for many of the beliefs today. Zoroastrianism is a religious
philosophy encompassing the idea of an origin behind the powers of
good and evil. This was the first time in history that the premise of
good and evil had a source and existed as an entity. This idea would
provide the framework for many religions to come including
Christianity and Islam.
The final reference of the role religion and morals has in the
influence of society comes from the rise of Islam and more specifically
the Islamic faith and the prophet Muhammad. His ideals surrounded
the five pillars of Islam, which included a profession of faith, prayer is
said five times a day, give to the poor and assist the less fortunate,
fast during the month of Ramadan3- these ideas have remained the
basis for the worlds largest religion to this day.
While each individual society is influenced greatly by many different
aspects of life whether that is the politics of the land or the simple
gathering of the people, these estrangements are what make each
individual society unique and so incredibly important. By studying the

2 Reference Greek Religion by Mark Cartwright specifically paragraph

1.
3 See Islam from the Beginning to 1300 under the five pillars of Islam.

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impacts of these tendencies we can ensure that future generations
learn from these endeavors rather than repeat them.

Annotated Bibliography

Cartwright, Mark. "Greek Religion." Ancient History Encyclopedia.

N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Apr. 2015.
This article represents both the main ideals encompassing the Greek
religion itself; it also outlines the implications this religion had on both
the political structure along with the everyday life of the citizens. The
article is beneficial because it reveals information about the Greek
gods, their temples of worship as well as some of the personal
implications of the religion.

"Islam From The Beginning To 1300." History- World. N.p., 2004. Web.

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This article outlines the rise of Islam in the ancient world. It also
provides factual evidence on both the teachings of Muhammad and the
philosophies and ideals of the religion of Islam.

"Zoroastrianism." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 27

Apr. 2015.
Although a Wikipedia article, the information regarding the philosophy
and history behind this religious idea is sound. It provides evidence to
support the thoughts behind the premise of good versus evil and the
implications this had on societies and religions to come.