I recently read an article on a blog called, “Open Tent Academy.” https://www.opententacademy.com/learning-past-reasons-studying-ancient-history/ The author shares 4 interesting responses to the query “Why study ancient history?” He starts with the one we all know and love – to learn from our past so as not to repeat it. Thank you, Marcus Tullius Cicero: “To be ignorant of what occurred before you were born is to remain always a child. For what is the worth of human life, unless it is woven into the life of our ancestors by the records of history?”
But then the author posits 3 more reasons that are just as, if not more, important. He claims that studying ancient history advances: 1) Intellectual Development “History builds who we are and by furthering our understanding of our past we better understand ourselves.” 2) Scientific Progress “There are historical accounts of plagues, etc. that have allowed scientists to track the progression of the disease through the ages to the present day. This has helped them to work on new treatments or cures.” He cites that cancer research has been advanced by studying mummification. And 3) Moral Obligation “Understanding the past, for instance, gives us comfort because we are not the first people to experience things, and we can see the potential of the future.”
What do you think is the best reason for studying ancient history? What would your students say? Should we ask them?
