Ancients

For other uses, see Ancient (disambiguation).

The term "Ancients" can refer to various historical, cultural, and fictional contexts. This article provides an overview of the different uses and meanings of the term.

Historical Context

In a historical context, "Ancients" often refers to the people and civilizations of antiquity, particularly those of the Ancient Near East, Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, and Ancient Rome. These civilizations are known for their significant contributions to art, philosophy, science, and politics.

Ancient Near East

The Ancient Near East encompasses the early civilizations of Mesopotamia, Persia, and the Levant. These societies are credited with the development of early writing systems, such as cuneiform and hieroglyphs, and significant advancements in mathematics and astronomy.

Ancient Egypt

Ancient Egypt is renowned for its monumental architecture, including the pyramids and the Sphinx, as well as its complex religion and hieroglyphic writing system. The civilization thrived along the Nile River and made significant contributions to medicine, engineering, and art.

Ancient Greece

Ancient Greece is often considered the cradle of Western civilization. It is known for its influential philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, as well as its advancements in democracy, theater, and science. The Hellenistic period saw the spread of Greek culture across the Mediterranean and into Asia.

Ancient Rome

Ancient Rome was a powerful empire that dominated much of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. It is famous for its legal system, engineering feats such as aqueducts and roads, and its contributions to literature and architecture. The Roman Republic and later the Roman Empire had a profound impact on the development of Western civilization.

Cultural Context

In a cultural context, "Ancients" can refer to the revered figures or traditions from the past that have shaped a society's identity and values. This can include mythology, religion, and literature.

Mythology

Many ancient civilizations had rich mythological traditions. For example, the Greek and Roman pantheons included gods and heroes whose stories have been passed down through generations. Similarly, Norse mythology and Egyptian mythology feature deities and legends that continue to influence modern culture.

Religion

Ancient religions often involved complex rituals and a pantheon of gods and goddesses. For instance, the Ancient Egyptian religion centered around gods like Ra, Osiris, and Isis, while the Ancient Greek religion included deities such as Zeus, Hera, and Athena.

Literature

Ancient literature includes epic poems, philosophical texts, and historical records that have been preserved over millennia. Notable works include Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, Virgil's Aeneid, and the Epic of Gilgamesh.

Fictional Context

In fictional contexts, "Ancients" can refer to advanced or long-lived beings in various science fiction and fantasy universes. These characters or races often possess great knowledge and power.

Stargate

In the Stargate franchise, the "Ancients" are a highly advanced race of beings who created the Stargate network. They are also known as the Alterans and are depicted as one of the most powerful and knowledgeable races in the universe.

Other Fictional Universes

The concept of "Ancients" appears in various other fictional settings, often as a race or group with significant influence over the storyline. Examples include the Elder Scrolls series, where the Ancients are revered for their wisdom and power.

Related Pages

• Ancient history
• Ancient Near East
• Ancient Egypt
• Ancient Greece
• Ancient Rome
• Mythology
• Religion
• Literature
• Stargate (franchise)
• Elder Scrolls