Introduction
The development of ancient civilizations was accompanied by the complex nuances of the formation of statehood. When considering the period from Mesopotamia to the era of maritime expansion, major societies and states achieved greatness and recognition largely due to internecine wars, and frequent military conflicts were a natural occurrence. Moreover, for many peoples, confrontations with enemies formed the basis of the political system, and preparation for wars had a significant place in the social and economic sectors of life. By using individual societies as examples, these impacts will be examined, and the key effects of armed conflicts on the shaping of civilizations will be analyzed. As objects for review, such large states will be mentioned as ancient Egypt, Greece, China, Persia, and some other great countries that had power many centuries ago. Internecine wars and preparation for confrontations with enemies had a significant effect on various aspects of life and occupied a special place in the system of external state policies.
Impacts of War on Ancient States’ Political Organization
As a result of serious conflicts and confrontations, many ancient kingdoms not only strengthened their positions on the world stage but also achieved significant political success. For instance, Morillo (2014, 88) cites an example of New Kingdom Egypt and notes that a notable foreign policy development of the country was evident. In past eras, the state did not grow in size and influence significantly since its rulers preferred to develop domestic industries and did not pay attention to the seizure of territories. However, as the author notes, in the period from 1700 BCE to 1200 BCE, due to successful wars, Egypt turned into an empire (Morillo 2014, p. 88). The abundant influx of slaves, which contributed to the enrichment of local temples, created disagreements between the authorities and the priesthood, but as a result, the role of rulers strengthened. The power of pharaohs became almost limitless, and success in military affairs strengthened the authority of the kings of New Kingdom Egypt (Morillo 2014, 88). Therefore, wars played a significant role in the formation of the political system in this state.
The example of Greece is valuable in the context of assessing the impact of wars on the formation of political foundations. Morillo (2014, p. 135) notes that the Greco-Persian wars, which lasted more than a decade, formed specific ideas about the importance of maintaining order within Greek policies. In particular, the author cites the example of Sparta, the ancient Greek state that promoted such a military-oriented policy that its power was known far beyond its borders (Morillo 2014, p. 135). The neighborhood with aggressive kingdoms determined the characteristic paths of political development, when all males, including rulers, defended their territories and attacked enemies. This principle of the political structure was due to the desire for domination and suppression of other states’ aggression.
Ancient India may be cited as an example of the country that also built its political balance through a policy of wars and expansion. Morillo (2014, p. 111) argues that during the development of ancient Indian civilization, the government encouraged the creation of a separate caste of warriors who fought not only for territories but also for prestige and glory. Thus, military affairs were an industry that greatly influenced the nature of the political life of ancient India and allowed this state to maintain authority among its enemies and allies for centuries.
Effects of War on Ancient Societies’ Economic Development
The economic development of ancient civilizations through wars was one of the most obvious and logical factors that prompted states to engage in confrontations. The expansion of territories and the enrichment of human resources by capturing slaves were goals that many kingdoms sought, for instance, ancient China. Morillo (2014, p. 146) notes the high economic potential of the state and argues that the careful planning of military campaigns was key to creating an advanced trading system. Also, the author remarks a direct relationship between a high concentration of economic resources and the formation of military coalitions in ancient China (Morillo 2014, p. 146). This is proof of the course towards the development of the state through the military craft as one of the main industries. These facts confirm the significant effects of wars on the economic life of ancient China.
Maintaining the wealth of countries through wars was not the only goal since, in addition to replenishing the treasury, ancient kingdoms needed to create conditions for internal development. For instance, Morillo (2014, p. 154) cites an example of Persia that, along with China, pursued an active invasive policy, largely due to an opportunity to ensure the productivity of its lands. The arid Persian territories were unfavorable for the cultivation of many crops, and in search of fertile land for importing goods into the country, the rulers of this kingdom planned aggressive operations. This reason is adequate for the fifth century BCE when the nomadic tribes living in Persia could help the state to maintain a stable economic level. Therefore, from the standpoint of ensuring a normal standard of living, wars were an integral part of the development of many ancient societies.
Impacts of War on Ancient States’ Social Organization
Wars were an important aspect of the social development of ancient civilizations and were such not only in the epoch of BCE but also in a more progressive era. According to Miles-Morillo and Morillo (2014, p. 174), Christians engaged in fierce confrontations with Muslims during the time of maritime expansion, and Turkic raids are an example. Religious strife, in many respects, influenced the social norms of development. As Morillo (2014, p. 362) argues, the era of the Crusades is proof of the unwillingness of representatives of different faiths to put up with their opponents’ beliefs. These disagreements lasted for centuries and were often dominant in the formation of social relationships among individual societies.
Social development was impossible without the resources that could be obtained through wars. Morillo (2014, p. 368) gives an example of Chinese civilization in the Middle Ages and notes that the interaction of the people with the authorities was largely based on social responsibility. This, in particular, included the understanding of the importance of the resources that might be required for military operations. The state set taxes, recruited soldiers, and determined other areas of its social policy (Morillo 2014, p. 368). Such governing patterns prove the influence of wars and preparations for them on the social organization of many ancient states.
Conclusion
Both foreign and domestic policies of ancient kingdoms were largely dependent on wars and preparation for them. The examples of many states of the past eras prove the importance of confrontations in the context of political, economic, and social development. Due to active invasive policies, ancient civilizations maintained their authority, enriched the treasury, and expanded their territories, which, in turn, was one of the main factors in maintaining sustainable development during internecine wars.
References
- Miles-Morillo, Lynne, and Stephen Morillo. 2014. Sources for Frameworks of World History. New York: Oxford University Press.
- Morillo, Stephen. 2014. Frameworks of World History. New York: Oxford University Press.