Ethics weren’t connected to religion in ancient world. Simply laws. no “fulfillment“?

In ancient societies, ethics were largely disconnected from religious beliefs, functioning instead as simple laws. The understanding of morality was less about right and wrong and more about navigating good versus bad in practical terms. Early civilizations like those of Greek paganism focused on rituals and sacrifices as means to appease gods, rather than to cultivate ethical behavior. The transition to a more structured ethical framework emerged during the axial age, reflecting an evolving worldview that recognized an inherent order or harmony within existence. This shift introduced a more nuanced conception of ethics, moving beyond mere compliance with laws to encompass deeper notions of communal well-being and personal fulfillment. However, prior to this evolution, behavior was often motivated by fear of retribution from divine beings or governing powers, rather than by any intrinsic understanding of how to lead a thriving life within a community.