Murphy 1

Molly Murphy

Professor Lark

History 134

20 June 2019

History is the most important thing aspect of becoming a successful leader or politician. The

reasons for this can range far and wide, from genocide to the downfall of a whole civilization. “History

Education still matters” (Perry,2013) For many reasons, teaching others about history is nothing short

of necessary. Our future leaders, popes, teachers, and voters need to understand threats and successes

that could reoccur in societies future. There is no ignoring the past, there is only learning from it.

Augustus was on of the best emperors Rome had seen. His father, Ceaser, adopted him. He

learned many things from Ceaser and decided to follow in his footsteps. “Augustus had ended over 100

years of Civil war and achieved 40 years of internal peace and prosperity.” He did so by expanding the

empire and making alliances. (PBS "Augustus")

As a historian of the ancient world I can see that Augustus was one of the first ancient rulers

that set many boundaries for his empire and his people. He had a wonderful idea of politics and made

sure that his people were not fighting and at war at all times. He tried to set rules and regulations in

place that made his society empire correctly. I think the roman empire is an important civilization for

all people to know about because they functioned in such a modern way for the time that they were in.

He used astrology and religion to influence his citizens. The use of religion is still used today to

influence laws in certain countries.

Solon, a man known for his intelligence and peaceful ideas that lived in Athens is another

person from ancient history that played a large role in politics. Solon believed that the people of Athens

should have a say in how their civilization is controlled, creating the first real democracy. Solon was
 Murphy 2

not a ruler, but he was a well respected statesman, who edited and revised laws that were previously

made by Draco. Solon helped rulers decide that debt should be forgotten, and he created four different

classes for different people based on wealth. Solon’s laws contributed to bettering the economy and the

society as a whole. (Cartwright 2016)

I think that Solon is one of the most important people in ancient history because he contributed

to the modern ideas that we follow within our own government today. He attempted to make laws that

were not so harsh, and gave all people some say in what decisions the council should make. Solon

helped create the foundation of Greek Government. The Government that he helped create was very

sophisticated, and had many common systems that are still practiced. The Greeks had a very strong

government; having elite peoples make most of the decisions while the less rich were still able to

contribute; if they were eighteen and male (Mark, 2011)

In America, the people follow a democracy very close to the one in which Solon put in place.

Any historian or political affiliate can look at the history of ancient Greece and Athens to get an idea of

how similar our governments are. History has taught us that there are great things that we should

continue to do; and things that we should not ever do again. In Solon and ancient Greece’s case; they

made a huge indent on politics today.

The Mauryan Empire, the largest empire in Imperial India, was found by Chandragupta and

handed down to his Grandson Ashoka . Ashoka promoted Buddhism in his empire and ruled

peacefully. I think Ashoka was a very important part of Mauryan history because he brought

unification and peace to the empire when it had never seen it before. Using religion to rule was a

successful attempt that continued up to fifty years after Ashoka’s death. (Timemaps) Ashoka’s use of

Buddhism and peace allowed for his empire to thrive in such a way that politicians today should look at

this time in history to determine how they can create a peaceful society.
 Murphy 3

“We look at the past to understand the present; and so did they”(Hodges,12) Looking at the past

can result in great triumphs, because we will know what mistakes we should not make again. If each

ruler or emperor looked through a history book and took notes of the good, the bad and the ugly, they

would hopefully try to only repeat the good things they found. Every Country in the modern world has

been through it’s own set of trials and tribulations. Every politician has struggled to be the best; and

most of them have failed while attempting to do so. Looking at Solon, Augustus and Ashoka as a

politician or historian could help shape the future.

 Murphy 4

Works Cited

Cartwright, Mark. “Solon.” Ancient History Encyclopedia, 10 Mar. 2016, www.ancient.eu/solon/.

Mark, Joshua J. “Athens.” Ancient History Encyclopedia, 28 Apr. 2011, www.ancient.eu/Athens/.

“Augustus.” PBS, Public Broadcasting Service, www.pbs.org/empires/romans/empire/augustus.html.

“The Mauryan Empire of Ancient India.” TimeMaps, www.timemaps.com/civilizations/the-mauryan-

empire/.

Postma, Michael. “What Can History Teach Us Today?” ASCD Express 6.22 - What Can History
Teach Us Today?, ASCD Express, 2011, www.ascd.org/ascd-express/vol6/622-postma.aspx.

Hodges, Blair, and Blair Hodges. “Hodges- Final Essay, On Rhetorical Uses of History to Understand
the Present.” Academia.edu, 7 May 2012, www.academia.edu/1539830/Hodges
_Final_Essay_On_Rhetorical_Uses_of_History_to_Understand_the_Present.

Perry, David M. “How History Can Help Us Predict the Next Pope.” The Atlantic, Atlantic Media
Company, 12 Mar. 2013, www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2013/03/how-history-can-
help-us-predict-the-next-pope/273945/.