Introduction
Cultures of all civilizations developed in accordance with the established social policy and division of society. The societies of Greece, India, Rome, the Maya and Africa are similar in the presence of a slave system. The African system demonstrates a primitive communal society, the rest of the countries divide citizens into castes and estates. Ancient Greek society demonstrates the greatest development considering the social system.
Unique Correspondence of Social Order to History and Culture
A strict caste system has characterized Chinese society for almost all ancient dynasties. In the era of the Qin Dynasty, the social division was based on the criteria of wealth and usefulness to the state (Strayer 404). The preservation of traditions has become one of the foundations of Chinese society. The democratic idea predetermined Ancient Greece historically as one of the most powerful for a long time. The clear social structure was conditioned by the development of arts, crafts, and architecture. Roman society was clearly divided into social groups: enslaved people, slaveholders, warriors, artisans, and free peasants. Roman culture took the best achievements of its predecessors and multiplied them thanks to a clear social hierarchy. Ancient African civilizations were mainly large communities of farmers. The slave-owning structure was highly developed, but enslaved people could become free after several generations, unlike in other civilizations. African social structure was similar to the primitive communal layer, which ensured the slow historical development and domination of pagan culture.
The openness of Indian society to diverse influences has predetermined the emergence of a vibrant, diverse culture. The social stratum of Indian society was a transparent caste system: priests, kings and warriors, farmers, and enslaved people (West and Snyder 108). The social structure of the ancient Maya was also rigorous. Society was divided into nobles, commoners, peasants, and enslaved people (Strayer 786). Scribes were considered a particularly privileged caste; such a structure implied a focus on cultural development.
Social Order that Seems to People the Toughest
The most difficult for people seems to be ancient Rome’s social structure and social system. At a certain point in historical development, the oppression of enslaved people and the demands of the warrior class turned out to be too strong. Focusing on foreign policy, the seizure of new lands, and ignoring internal state problems led to one of the most powerful empires of the ancient world.
The Most Effective Social Order
One of the most effective socio-political systems was Greece. The main advantage was democracy, the involvement of citizens in the management of policies. Slavery in this context cannot be considered a significant disadvantage since it is inherent in almost all ancient communities. The effective system of Ancient Greece was promoted not only by democracy but also by the division into city-states with effective local self-government.
The Preferred Social Order
The system of ancient Greece seems to be the most preferable and successful for life. The desire for democracy and the development of solid economic centers led to the prosperity of ancient Greek society. The direct participation of citizens in the political life of society seems similar to what modern states strive for. The developed state system and cultural achievements make this ancient country attractive for living.
Conclusion
After comparing the social system of different ancient peoples, it becomes clear that it plays one of the defining values in the further development of the state. The primitive communal system of Africa and the ritual-oriented order in the Mayan society is unsuccessful. Greece, Rome, China and India show the greatest development, mainly due to a clear social structure. The preservation and value of culture also directly depend on the order in society.
Works Cited
Strayer, Robert W. Ways of the World: A Brief Global History with Sources. Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2010.
West, Sherri, and Snyder, Anthony. Readings in Global History. Kendall Hunt Publishing Company, 2008.