Why were gods important to ancient peoples?
all different, we still share the commonality of not knowing everything–for instance, what happens after we die–i.e. need for an answer, which usually comes nicely packaged in religious context from your local civilization/ruler/society. I would say that across the board, people from every time and every walk of life feel the need to know where they come from and where they will end up. The vast majority of people are either taught or pick a belief system that eases, or for the “truly” faithful (hmm), answers that need to know. So simply ask why or why not is the particular god you were taught to believe in important to you. Your is the answer.
