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HIST 134
17 June 2018
Throughout this course, the common thread throughout all discussions and learning modules
was to understand the importance and cultivate the ability to use history as a tool to influence
society in a better way. One of the major themes throughout history that drove many people
significant, or not, to better society was religion. Religion is more than just a belief system but
rather a lifestyle where moral guidelines and traditions help steer one's actions in life. Augustus,
Emperor of Rome, is known as one of the greatest leaders of all time. A leader who was
undoubtedly influenced by these types of religious ideals, rooted in culture born from former
societies. Augustus, however, found the power religion can have on society, and used it “as a
tool to protect his position and promote his political agenda” (“Augustus”). Living on the pillars
of the need for religious revival and reform throughout the Roman Empire ultimately led
Augustus to act responsibly, contribute towards society, and lead to the revival of Rome.
Augustus was the first emperor of the newly formed Roman Empire who governed for over 40
Augustus throughout his life rejected monarchical titles, and instead called himself
Princeps Civitatis. Befittingly, the ensuing constitutional framework became known as the
“Principate, the first phase of the Roman Empire” (“Augustus”). It has been documented that,
“he re-established traditional social rules and religious rituals, sacrificing animals to Rome’s
gods” (“Augustus”). Based on this example Augustus can definitely be seen as a man uses
religious values and strong morals for the power religion played in it. Knowing the historical
significance religion had played in Rome, “the changing perspectives of historical understanding
are the very best introduction we can have to the practical problems of real life” ( McNeill).
My next example that points into history is the civilization of ancient Greece. Polytheistic
Greek religion encompassed a myriad of gods, each representing a certain facet of the human
condition, and even abstract ideas such as justice and wisdom could have their own
personification. People also looked for signs from the gods in everyday life and to interpret these
signs as indicators of future events (Cartwright). Throughout ancient Greece, from a slave to the
Senate, day to day life of their society was influenced by the ritualistic religion of serving the
gods through acts of piety and worship. This religion undoubtedly impacted decisions made by
not only the Greek Senate but any citizens as well as males 18 years or over, who could speak
and vote in the assembly of Athens. The Greek decision making and the rule of government
which ultimately lead to the formation of democracy was one rooted in tradition but also rooted
in religion as well. I believe that it is this form of Greek democracy that created a ripple
throughout history forever altering future societies and the way governments rule to this day. By
studying and learning about Greek society and the influence of religion, "we can use history as a
lesson: a lesson of intentions, movements, experiments, and human production; a lesson that
My last example points to the endeavors after the fall of the Roman Empire, specifically within
Merovingian society and Gregory of Tours. After the fall of the Roman Empire, there was
questioning of what truly holds a society together. In these middle ages between 400 AD and
1100 AD, having seen many governments fail, people resorted to things like kinship, family,
private vengeance, and religion as structures holding society together. Focusing primarily on
religion Gregory rationalized that Christianity was not only a religion, but Christianity was “the
thing that holds society together". If you asked Gregory what holds society together, he would
give some kind of answer on the order of the bishops, the saints, the supernatural, the Church
(Lecture 11-Frankish Society). The main purpose of a king was to then make sure that the mere
threat of divine vengeance is backed up by threats of a more immediate sort (Lecture 11-
Frankish Society). This is a major example of how many truly felt society should be governed
and shines a light on the amount of power the church and religion held on people's decision
making for hundreds of years. We can learn from Frankish history that it is important to have a
balance. We need both specific expertise and the fruits of contemplation. "We need passionate
commitment to both job training and liberal learning, especially when they seem to clash in
opposition so that we are ready to respond to the unexpected events that life generates" (Perry).
I have found that it proves extremely valuable to be able to analyze and learn from past
history. Understanding how decisions were made, what factors lead to their outcomes, and the
lasting impact these decisions had on humanity are all key takeaways from studying history.
“History asks the question are men inherently good” or are they molded by morals (McNeill). I
believe men are influenced by historical and religiously instilled morals. Through analyzing
religion and the morals and traditions associated with such belief systems I have realized the
scope of how the world we know today was influenced by decisions made thousands of years
ago. Decisions which have been rooted in religious belief and thought. I have learned through
this course that as a society, the decisions we make however small or innocent they may seem
will have a lasting impact on the future of the humanity. Therefore, I believe the most important
thing that I can do from here on out is to strive to contribute positively towards my society.
Works Cited
www.pbs.org/empires/romans/empire/augustus_religion.html.
Cartwright, Mark. “Ancient Greek Religion.” Ancient History Encyclopedia, Ancient History
11#ch1.
McNeill, William H. “Why Study History? (1985) | AHA.” Khafre | AHA, American Historical
Association, www.historians.org/about-aha-and-membership/aha-history-and-archives/historical-
archives/why-study-history-(1985).
Perry, David M. “How History Can Help Us Predict the Next Pope.” The Atlantic, Atlantic
history-can-help-us-predict-the-next-pope/273945/.
Postma, Michael. “What Can History Teach Us Today?” Manipulated Kids: Teens Tell How Ads
postma.aspx.