Echoes of Time

How different works of art teach us about societies and cultures that are long gone

Written by: Jezley Drogtrop

Edited by: Sania Khan, Laila Kadry

Art has always been a mirror of human existence, reflecting the values, struggles, and dreams of its time. When civilizations fade, their art often becomes one of the few lasting records of their existence. From ancient cave paintings to contemporary films that reimagine the past, art serves as a time capsule: preserving not only the aesthetics but also the essence of societies long gone. By exploring these works, we can uncover the hidden stories of people and cultures that might have otherwise been forgotten.

Art as a Historical Record

Art often transcends the limitations of written records, especially in cultures where oral traditions dominate —where history, knowledge, and beliefs are passed down through storytelling, songs, and rituals rather than written texts. The prehistoric cave paintings of Lascaux in France, created over 17,000 years ago, offer us a glimpse into the lives of early humans. Through their depictions of animals and hunting scenes, we can infer their relationship with nature, their spiritual beliefs, and even their social organization.

Similarly, the intricate murals of ancient Egypt reveal a highly stratified society centered around the divine power of the pharaohs. Tomb paintings show not just gods and kings but also farmers, craftsmen, and musicians, highlighting a world where the mundane and the sacred coexisted.

Music, too, serves as a historical archive. Traditional folk songs, like the ballads of medieval Europe or the griot traditions of West Africa, carry the memories of communities. They document wars, migrations, and celebrations, often filling in the gaps left by formal histories. Even the instruments themselves—like the ancient Greek lyre or the Chinese guqin offer clues about the sounds and emotions that defined those eras.

Unspoken Stories in Visual Art

While written histories often emphasize the grand narratives of heroic kings and bloody wars, visual art tells quieter, more personal stories. Roman frescoes in Pompeii, preserved by the volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius, capture everyday life: banquets, market scenes, and even graffiti. These works humanize a society that might otherwise seem distant, showing us that their joys and struggles were not so different from Iour own. 

The Renaissance marked a shift in how art depicted the human experience. Michelangelo’s David or da Vinci’s Mona Lisa not only showcase technical mastery but also reveal a culture rediscovering individuality and human emotion. The focus on realism and perspective reflects a society transitioning from medieval collectivism to a celebration of personal achievement and individualism.

In non-Western contexts, visual art often intertwines with spiritual and communal life. The intricate patterns of Islamic mosaics, for example, emphasize the infinite nature of creation through geometry, echoing a worldview that prioritizes unity and faith over individualism.

Films and Literature as Modern Windows to the Past

In more recent times, films and literature have become powerful tools for exploring and reinterpreting history. Historical films like Schindler’s List or 12 Years a Slave don’t just recount events—they evoke the emotional and moral dimensions of the past, allowing modern audiences to connect with historical injustices on a personal level.

Even fictional works like Chinua Achebe’s, Things Fall Apart provide profound insights into pre-colonial African societies and the devastating impact of colonialism. Similarly, Gabriel García Márquez’s, One Hundred Years of Solitude captures the cyclical nature of Latin American history through magical realism, blending myth and reality to portray cultural identity.

Ancient Egyptian literature, such as The Tale of Sinuhe, provides a different but equally profound glimpse into the culture and values of its time. This Middle Kingdom text tells the story of Sinuhe, an official who flees Egypt after the death of the king and later longs to return home. The tale explores themes of loyalty, exile, and divine destiny, reflecting the Egyptian worldview and their understanding of identity and belonging. It not only offers insight into their literary traditions but also highlights the universal human emotions of fear, regret, and hope.

By engaging with these modern forms of storytelling, we not only learn about the past, but also understand how it continues to shape the present.

Universal Themes in Music

Music transcends barriers of time and space, offering a direct emotional connection to the past. Gregorian chants transport us to the austere spiritual world of medieval Europe, while the rhythmic drumming of traditional African music reveals a deeply communal and ritualistic way of life.

In some cases, music bridges ancient and modern worlds. The revival of Mongolian throat singing in contemporary music, for example, demonstrates how traditional art forms can remain relevant while preserving cultural heritage. A notable example is the Mongolian band The HU, who blend throat singing with rock and heavy metal, as heard in their song Wolf Totem. Similarly, modern adaptations of classical compositions, like Bach’s influence on jazz or hip-hop sampling of gospel choirs, show how music connects past and present in unexpected ways. For example, Kanye West frequently incorporates gospel elements in his work, such as in Jesus Walks, which samples Walk with Me by the ARC Choir, blending spiritual roots with contemporary hip-hop production.

The study of art from bygone eras is not just an academic exercise; it is a way to connect with the humanity of those who came before us. Art captures the universal themes of love, grief, hope, and resilience that transcend time. It reminds us that despite differences in language, geography, or technology, people from centuries ago experienced emotions and challenges similar to our own.

Moreover, art shapes how we remember history. Paintings of grand battles, films about ancient empires, and even traditional songs influence our collective memory. Yet, these works are not neutral—they reflect the perspectives of their creators and the societies they represent. By critically examining them, we can uncover not only the truths they reveal but also the biases they carry.

Art is more than a reflection of its time; it is a dialogue across centuries. Through paintings, films, music, and literature, we hear the echoes of long-lost cultures, reminding us of the richness of human creativity and the enduring power of storytelling. What we create today may one day become the echoes of our own time, offering future generations a glimpse into who we were and what we valued. In this way, art bridges the divide between past, present, and future, ensuring that the stories of humanity are never truly lost.