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Explore the alphabetically ordered list of ancient civilizations from around the world, including types of cultures, traditions, and industries. Learn about the Olmecs, the first elaborate pre-Columbian civilization of Mesoamerica, and their art, writing, and influence.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
- Mesopotamia, 4000-3500 B.C.
- Ancient Egypt, 3100 B.C.
- Ancient India, 3300 B.C.
- Ancient China, 2000 B.C.
- Ancient Peru, 1200 B.C.
- Ancient Mesoamerica, 1200 B.C.
- GeneratedCaptionsTabForHeroSec
Meaning “between two rivers” in Greek, Mesopotamia (located in modern-day Iraq, Kuwait and Syria) is considered the birthplace of civilization. The culture that grew up between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers is noted for important advancements in literacy, astronomy, agriculture, law, mathematics, architecture and more, despite near-constant warfa...
Perhaps the most romanticized of past civilizations, ancient Egypt stood as one of history’s most powerful empires for more than 3,000 years. Set along the fertile Nile Riverand at one time extending from today’s Syria to Sudan, the civilization is most known for its pyramids, tombs and mausoleums and the practice of mummification to prepare corpse...
In ancient India, where Hinduismwas founded, religion held great importance, Harl says, along with great literary traditions and incredible architecture. The Upanishads, or sacred Hindu texts, include the ideas of reincarnation and the caste system based on birthright, both of which have endured into modern times. Unlike other ancient civilizations...
Protected by the Himalayan Mountains, Pacific Ocean and Gobi Desert, and situated between the Yellow and Yangtze rivers, the earliest Chinese civilizations flourished in isolation from invaders and other foreigners for centuries. To stop Mongols from the north, they built barriers seen by some as early precursors to the Great Wall of China, built l...
Peru served as the cradle of civilization to a number of cultures, including the Chavín, Paracas, Nazca, Huari, Moche and Inca. Archaeologists have unearthed evidence of metallurgy, ceramics and advanced medical and agricultural practices from within these groups. The civilization culminated with the great Inca Empire, which stretched from today’s ...
Parts of today’s Mexico and Central America were once home to a number of Indigenous cultures, beginning with the Olmec around 1200 B.C., followed by the Zapotec, Maya, Toltec and, ultimately, the Aztecs. Fertile farmland led to agricultural advances, with corn, beans, vanilla, avocado, peppers, squashes and cotton becoming important crops. Pyramid...
Learn about the origins, achievements and legacies of the first human civilizations in Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, China, Peru and Mexico. Explore their architecture, agriculture, art, writing, mathematics and more.
- Lesley Kennedy
- 11 min
Ancient history covers all continents inhabited by humans in the period 3000 BC – AD 500. [1] The three-age system periodizes ancient history into the Stone Age, the Bronze Age, and the Iron Age, with recorded history generally considered to begin with the Bronze Age.
Dec 15, 2019 · Explore the history and highlights of various ancient civilizations from around the world, from the Aboriginals to the Incans. Learn about their achievements, challenges, and legacies in this comprehensive timeline.
Aug 16, 2022 · Learn about the definition, characteristics, and history of civilization, from the first cities in Mesopotamia and Egypt to the modern era. Explore the concept of civilization and its evolution from ancient to modern times.
- Joshua J. Mark
Explore the ancient world in this interactive map. Select a date an see cities, kingdoms and empires rise and fall.
Jul 17, 2024 · Ancient Egypt was a civilization in northeastern Africa that dates from the 4th millennium BCE. Its many achievements, preserved in its art and monuments, hold a fascination that continues to grow as archaeological finds expose its secrets.
