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If one thinks of evaluation simply in terms of assessing the value of something, then there is clearly no single moment in time that we can pinpoint when individuals began to use evaluative judgments to draw conclusions. During ancient times, individuals were faced with making determinations (i.e., evaluations) about the best course of action for securing the essentials of life (i.e., food, clean water) and avoiding and treating diseases. In this sense, as Scriven (1996, p. 395) stated, “evaluation is a very old practice yet a very young discipline.”

Evaluations of people, programs, and events have a long history that has been loosely documented. While certainly not exhaustive, Table 3.1 highlights notable evaluation activities taking place in various settings and across different fields prior to the modern times of the 20th century. Some of these events are elaborated in more detail in the text that follows.

Table 3.1

Mosteller (1981) argues that the earliest known evaluation is described in the Old Testament book of Daniel. It spoke of what can be essentially viewed as a nutrition evaluation study based on what Daniel (Belteshazzar), Hananiah (Shadrach), Mishael (Meshach), and Azariah (Abednego) ate, in comparison to the diet of other males, during their time in Babylon as captives. According to the Old Testament, Daniel said to the guard over him and others: “Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see.” The guard agreed, and at the end of this trial period, Daniel and his mates looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food. While clearly not meeting scientific standards, this is still loosely an example of an evaluation study during ancient times.