Question

Most historians see a connection between early farming and the growth of religion. Why do they think these two developments are related?

What is cultural diffusion, and how does it work? Give two examples of cultural diffusion involving ancient empires. Be specific and detailed. Your examples may relate to ideas about government, military technology, economic systems, religion, or any other area.

Answer 1

Historians see a connection between early farming and the growth of religion. Cultural diffusion involves the spread of ideas, customs, and technologies between cultures. Examples of cultural diffusion in ancient empires include the influence of Greek culture on the Roman Empire and the exchange of goods and ideas on the Silk Road.

Step-by-step explanation:

Most historians believe that there is a connection between early farming and the growth of religion because the development of agriculture allowed for the emergence of specialized priestly classes and the focus on agricultural fertility in religious practices. The surplus of food produced by farming communities also contributed to the growth of larger cities, where religious rituals were performed and monumental structures were constructed.

In terms of cultural diffusion, it refers to the spread of ideas, beliefs, customs, and technologies from one culture to another. Two examples of cultural diffusion involving ancient empires are:

1. The spread of Greek philosophy and art to the Roman Empire. The Romans adopted many aspects of Greek culture, including their gods, myths, and artistic styles.
2. The Silk Road, which facilitated the exchange of goods, technologies, and ideas between the Chinese and the Roman Empires. This led to the introduction of Chinese silk and the spread of Buddhism in the Roman Empire.