The function of education in the context of ancient civilizations and societies was primarily to transmit knowledge and skills necessary for the survival and functioning of those cultures. In ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Greece, education was often limited to the elite, focusing on subjects like literature, mathematics, and philosophy. These societies recognized the importance of educated individuals in maintaining governmental order and religious practices. Education was also used to instill cultural values and social norms, thereby ensuring the continuation of the civilization's shared heritage and identity across generations.