Our study starts with the ancient Mediterranean and Mesopotamian civilizations.  This region was characterized by numerous tribes and societies, each with their own beliefs and practices.  However, a few general points should be repeated. Excluding the tribes of Israel, ancient societies were polytheistic, meaning they worshiped multiple gods.  The family and the larger society were male-dominated, or paternalistic.  Agriculture remained the dominant lifestyle for the majority of the population.  Small, hunter-gatherer tribes slowly transitioned to large, multi-ethnic empires of the Babylonians, Assyrians, and Hittites.  The ancient world was therefore dominated by steady warfare, a rural population, and strong gender roles.