History of
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The Egyptians in 2,500-1,000 B.C.E believed the heart was the centre of life and morality. They believed you heart would befall a trial after death. They said you could either join Osiris in the afterlife or your soul could be eaten by the demon Amnut and it vanishes from existence.
Ancient Greeks in 400-200 B.C.E held the heart to be the centre of the soul and source of heat. They also made impressive connections between it and the lungs.
In 43-17 B.C.E the Ancient Romans thought the heart was the single most vital organ. They believed it sustained life.
In 100-900 the early Americans came along and recognized that it is a necessity. The Ancient Mexicans believed that humans contained many different spiritual forces. They believed these forces would leave the body during dreams, but the force associated with the heart must remain in the body to stay alive.
In the 1000-1400 Christianity believed it to be a symbol of Jesus and his love. hey had a devotion towards the heart as it was seen as a work of art and mentioned in prayers and doctrine.
The Middle ages between 1500 and 1600 the heart's symbols becomes for them a symbol of heraldry, signifying sincerity and clarity. They see it as a synonym for Holy Grail.
*Fun Fact: Old playing cards had the symbol of the "Holy Grail" instead of the symbol of the heart as an icon.
William Harvey in 1628 explains the idea of circulation of blood throughout the body, caused by the pumping of the heart.
The Western Culture in 1700 has taken the idea of the heart being the center of everything, from the functions, feelings and thoughts.
From 1750 to 1850 in the Voodoo religion it is seen as a symbol of love, beauty, and purity. Also in Africa, the Ghanians developed Adinkra and they see the heart as a symbol love and wisdom.
Nowadays, the Heart is seen as a means of life and love. It is very intricate and yet symbolizes the growth of beauty and science.
"Timeline: Heart in History." PBS. PBS, n.d. Web. 15 Nov. 2016.