| When we use the word "ancient" it conjures up | | | | This tradition dates back to ancient Greece when |
| ideas of old-fashioned and antiquated. However, | | | | athletes travelled to Athens from all corners of |
| many of the ideas from the ancient world have | | | | the country to show off their prowess and talent. |
| shaped our society today. Think of the state of | | | | The great philosophers of the ancient world still |
| democracy developed in ancient Greece. This is | | | | have a place in the universities of today as young |
| still the principle upon which today's democratic | | | | students avidly read their words and try to |
| governments are based. The use of herbal | | | | discern the meaning of life. We owe out modern |
| medicine from ancient China is now enjoying | | | | medicine to the ancient peoples and our doctors |
| popularity among many people looking for an | | | | still take the Hippocratic oath when they graduate |
| alternative to chemicals and pills as a way of | | | | with their medical degree. |
| healing them from disease. | | | | The belief in the need for a healthy mind and |
| There are many facets of ancient societies that | | | | body came from the ancient world, as did much |
| we have yet to figure out. These people did not | | | | of our knowledge about using metals for jewellery |
| have the technology and equipment we are | | | | and decoration. These people were able to mine |
| blessed with today, but they were able to | | | | vast amounts of precious stones and accumulate |
| construct such wonders as the Pyramids of | | | | great wealth. There is one thing that society of |
| Egypt and the colossal temples of ancient Greece | | | | today has yet to learn from the ancient world. |
| and Rome. How did they manage such feats | | | | That is how to learn to appreciate the earth and |
| requiring superhuman strength? The Olympic | | | | not destroy its beauty. These people only took |
| Games are an important part of sports and | | | | from the earth what they needed to survive so |
| young athletes aspire to reach gold medal status. | | | | that we can still enjoy it today. |