Claire: Judaism

Early: Early Judaism placed value on logic, political power and hierarchy, much in the same vein of Greco-Roman traditionalism. Saul, the first king of Israel, proved that the absolute power of a monarch was an effective way to rule (political power). Building on his father's success, David completed the transition from tribe to a fully unified monarchy, complete with an (a) census, (b) tax system, and (c) standing army (logic.) Solomon continued this trend towards nation building by forming trade alliances that stimulated economic growth for the Israelites. The tradition became one of a synced Church and State; priests became the wealthy class and held higher class positions and contributed to a widening gap between rich and poor (hierarchy.)

Diaspora: While the monarchy split into Northern Israel and Southern Judah at the close of Solomon's rule, but these early Israelites united once more in order to combat the Assyrians (later Babylonians) and, once they failed, the ethnic composition of the empire diversified. Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar expelled working class Jews who united over their joint experience and their unyielding belief in a single God, Yahweh. Their monotheistic beliefs separated them from the Babylonians, and the Jews became a people without a homeland. Loss of political autonomy coupled with the experience of exile led to the formation of a distinct Jewish identity, complete with strict rules and rites (dietary restrictions, Sabbath celebrations and codes for marriage.) The diaspora experience was unique to the Jews and remains an fundamental part of their culture to this day.