Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will have a better understanding of how people lived in the ancient world by investigating the remaining evidence and focusing on significant features of ancient societies such as slavery, the family, beliefs, rituals, and funerary practices.

Materials and Prep

Materials: Notebook, Pen, Internet access

Prep: Familiarize yourself with the concept of ancient societies and have an open mind to explore different cultural practices.

Activities

1. Research Project: Choose an ancient society (e.g., Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece) and research how slavery was practiced, the structure of families, and their beliefs and rituals.

2. Family Tree Creation: Create a family tree based on the structure of a typical ancient family, including roles and relationships.

3. Funerary Practices Comparison: Compare the funerary practices of two ancient societies and discuss the beliefs and rituals associated with death.

Talking Points

• Slavery in Ancient Societies:

  "Slavery was a common practice in many ancient societies, where enslaved individuals had limited rights and were often used for labor."

• Family Structures:

  "Families in ancient times had specific roles and hierarchies, with a strong emphasis on lineage and family honor."

• Beliefs and Rituals:

  "Ancient societies had diverse beliefs and rituals related to gods, afterlife, and daily practices, which shaped their culture and traditions."

• Funerary Practices:

  "Funerary practices varied across ancient civilizations, reflecting their beliefs about death and the afterlife. These practices often included ceremonies and rituals to honor the deceased."