In ancient societies, the primary purpose of punishment was __________.rehabilitationdeterrenceincapacitationretribution

In ancient societies, the primary purpose of punishment was primarily retribution. This concept is rooted in the belief that when a crime was committed, justice needed to be served by imposing a penalty that was proportionate to the offense. Thus, punishment was often seen as a way to restore balance and seek revenge for the wrongs done, rather than focusing on rehabilitation or deterrence. While elements of deterrence and incapacitation may have been present, the idea of retribution played a central role in the philosophy behind punishment in many ancient cultures. The emphasis was less on reforming the offender and more on exacting justice for the victim or the society's moral order.