The ancient and oldest civilizations of the world are some of the most impressive and influential societies in human history. From the Egyptians to the Greeks, these cultures left an indelible mark on the world we live in today.
What made these societies so successful? For starters, they were able to build some of the most impressive monuments and structures ever created. They also developed complex systems of governance and education that allowed them to thrive for centuries.
If you’re interested in learning more about the oldest civilizations from around the world, be sure to check out all points carefully!
1 The Incan Civilization (1438 AD–1533 AD)
The Incan Civilization was a very advanced and prosperous society that flourished for over 800 years. The Incas were a proud people who built some of the most impressive structures in history, including the great Machu Picchu Temple.
Their empire covered most of South America and had a population of over 12 million people.
The Incas were able to maintain their civilization for so long thanks to their efficient government and powerful military. They were able to conquer vast areas of South America and Central America, and even went as far north as present-day Colombia.
Despite their impressive legacy, the Inca Empire fell victim to many factors including European colonization, internal strife and a devastating epidemic known as the Spanish Flu and influenza. Today, there is little evidence remaining of the great Incan civilization. However, the legacy of the Incas lives on in their impressive architecture and ruins of rich culture.
Their architecture is characterized by intricate stone carvings and finely wrought metalwork. The Inca religion was based on worship of the sun, moon, and stars. They developed an elaborate system of religious ceremonies and mythological stories that remains highly relevant today.
2 The Aztec Civilization (circa 1345-1521)
The Aztec civilization was a powerful and influential Mesoamerican culture that dominated much of what is now central and southern Mexico from the 14th to 16th centuries. Founded by the Mexica people in central Mexico, the Aztec empire reached its height under Emperor Moctezuma II (1466-1520). Though eventually conquered by Spanish forces, the Aztec legacy remains an important part of modern Mexican culture.
The Aztec civilization was a remarkable achievement for its time. The Aztecs were able to create a highly centralized government and build some of the most impressive architecture in Mesoamerica. They also had a highly advanced system of agriculture and manufacturing, which allowed them to become one of the wealthiest cultures in the region.
Though the Aztecs were eventually defeated by Spanish forces, their influence can still be seen in modern Mexican culture. The Aztec language, for example, is still spoken by many people in central Mexico today.
3 The Roman Civilization (27 BC–476 AD)
The Roman civilization was one of the most powerful empires in all of history. They ruled over an area that stretched from Britain to North Africa and from Spain to Mesopotamia. They were able to do this because of their military might and their innovative political system. The Roman Empire was a massive empire that spanned more than 5 million square kilometers, from Britain to North Africa and from Spain to the Middle East.
The Roman empire was founded in 753 BC by Romulus and Remus, two of the sons of Mars, the god of war. Romulus became the first king of Rome and ruled for twenty-five years. He was followed by his brother, Remus, who ruled for nine years. After they died, their father, Mars, made them two wolves that walked together. The story tells us that this symbolized the alliance between Rome and her military might.
Rome grew very quickly under the leadership of these first kings. By 600 BC, they had conquered much of central Italy. In 272 BC, they defeated Pyrrhus and secured their place as one of the great powers in Europe. In 44 BC, Caesar was elected dictator by the Roman people and went on to conquer much of Europe and North Africa.
4 The Persian Civilization (559 B.C.E. to 331 B.C.E.)
The Persian civilization is one of the oldest civilizations in the world, dating back over 2,500 years. The Persian Empire was one of the largest empires in history, and its legacy has deeply influenced many other cultures around the world. Persian culture is characterized by its art, literature, architecture, and music. Persian cuisine is also very popular, and includes a variety of different dishes that are often highly seasoned.
The Persian civilization owes a great deal of its heritage to its founding king, Cyrus the Great. Cyrus was a powerful ruler who led his people from their homeland in the Near East to become one of the most powerful empires in history. Cyrus’ achievements include establishing the first known system of law enforcement and creating a centralized government that allowed for increased economic prosperity for his people.
The Persian civilization is still widely admired today for its rich history and unique culture. Visitors to Persia can explore many of the ancient sites that remain preserved through Iranian government efforts, or visit some of Tehran’s contemporary cultural attractions. Whether traveling to Iran or simply exploring some of the amazing Persian culture online, there is no doubt that this ancient civilization will leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits it.
5 The Ancient Greek Civilization (700 BC–480 BC)
The Ancient Greek Civilization is one of the most influential and significant civilizations in world history. The Greeks were a maritime people who developed an advanced civilization that included such hallmarks as mathematics, philosophy, science, literature, art, and architecture. They also had a strong influence on the development of Western civilization.
The Ancient Greeks were a highly cultured and sophisticated people. Their mathematics was extremely advanced for its time and they were the first to develop a systematic approach to philosophy. They also made significant contributions to science, including astronomy, medicine, and chemistry. They were also very talented writers and artists, with renowned works such as Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey and Aristotelian philosophy still being studied today.
The Ancient Greeks were also highly political and military minded. They played an important role in establishing the first democracies in Europe and their city-states often engaged in struggles with each other for control of land and resources. However, despite their conflicts, the Ancient Greeks managed to create some of the most beautiful and enduring works of art and architecture the world has ever seen. Their legacy continues to be well-remembered today.
6 The Chinese Civilization (1600 BC–1046 BC)
Being one of the oldest civilizations, It has a long and rich history, with a vast array of culture and traditions. This makes China a fascinating place to visit, and study. It was founded in the late Neolithic Age, around 4,000 BCE. At its peak, around 200 BCE to 100 CE, it was the largest and most powerful empire in the world. The ancient Chinese civilization is noted for its art, literature, philosophy, engineering, and sciences.
Ancient Chinese Civilization is one of the oldest civilizations in the world. It was first established around 1250 BC and lasted until around 1600 AD. During this time, it developed a complex system of government, culture, and economy. Its influence can be seen in many parts of the world today.
The ancient Chinese civilization is famous for its art, literature, and architecture. Its art is characterized by its use of color, form, and movement. Its literature is noted for its lyrical quality and its use of metaphor. Its architecture is well known for its finely crafted buildings, many of which still stand today.
The ancient Chinese civilization also played a major role in the development of science and mathematics. Many of the ideas that we take for granted today were first developed in China during the ancient period. In particular, the invention of papermaking and the development of algebra are two examples that we can’t ignore.
7 The Maya Civilization (circa 2600 BCE – 900 CE)
The Maya civilization was one of the most advanced ancient societies and is still widely studied today. Spanning a period of more than 3,000 years, from about 250 to 900 AD, the Maya built some of the most impressive structures and tombs in history. They also developed complex agriculture and irrigated large areas with an extensive network of canals.
The Maya were cultural innovators, adopting new technologies and building on earlier traditions in ways that profoundly influenced later societies. In art, for example, they created a beautiful and detailed style that is still admired today.
The Maya were also great explorers, journeying into new regions in search of new resources or new trade routes. Their settlements ranged from small villages to large cities with elaborate public buildings and monumental temples.
Despite the impressive achievements of the Maya, the reasons for their Sack of Troy-like collapse are still unknown. But their legacy continues to be felt through the many amazing structures and artifacts that have been preserved for us to study and enjoy.
8 The Ancient Egyptian Civilization (circa 3150 BCE – 30 BCE)
The ancient Egyptian civilization is one of the most prolific and oldest civilizations in history. From their writing system to their architecture, this culture has a lot to offer visitors and scholars alike. Despite being around for over 3,000 years, much about the details of this culture remains a mystery. One tool that scholars have used to investigate this culture further is archaeology.
Archaeology is the study of artifacts from an archaeological site. This can include anything from pottery shards to bricks and even human remains. By examining the various artifacts at an archaeological site, archaeologists can piece together information about the ancient Egyptians’ lifestyle, customs, and beliefs.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the ancient Egyptian civilization is its writing system. Known as hieroglyphics, this system was used to communicate ideas and stories via pictures. Unlike later scripts such as Latin or Arabic, hieroglyphics were not meant for reading aloud. Instead, they were used for religious ceremonies and other important purposes.
Aside from their writing system, another distinctive aspect of the ancient Egyptian civilization is its architecture. Consisting mostly of pyramids and other structures made from stone, this culture is well known for its grandiose cathedrals.
The Egyptians were a polytheistic people, who believed in a pantheon of gods and goddesses, as well as in a creator god who had brought them into existence. They organized their society around elaborate hierarchies of priests and royalty, and based their economy on the cultivation of sorghum, cotton, and other crops. The Egyptians went into decline in the following centuries, but they left an enduring legacy that is still evident in modern culture.
9 The Mesopotamian Civilization (circa 3500 BCE – 500 BCE)
The Mesopotamian civilization was a complex and advanced culture that flourished in the area now known as Iraq from about 4500 to 3300 BC. The Mesopotamian people are widely considered to be the ancestors of modern Arabs and Iranians.
Their culture is well known for its art, literature, and engineering feats, including the development of the wheel, the use of concrete, and the establishment of cities.
The Mesopotamian civilization was a complex and advanced culture that flourished in the area now known as Iraq from about 4500 to 3300 BC. The Mesopotamian people are widely considered to be the ancestors of modern Arabs and Iranians. Their culture is well known for its art, literature, and engineering feats, including the development of the wheel, the use of concrete, and the establishment of cities.
The Mesopotamian civilization owed much to its location near several important waterways (the Tigris and Euphrates rivers), which allowed it access to trade goods and resources from around the world. It also enjoyed a favorable climate, which allowed for extensive agricultural production. The Mesopotamian people developed a complex social structure, with a highly stratified citizenry divided into classes based on wealth and power.
10 The Indus Valley Civilization (circa 3300 BCE – 1900 BCE)
The Indus Valley Civilization is one of the oldest and most powerful civilizations of ancient India. The civilization flourished from around 3300 BC to 1900 BC, and is thought to be responsible for many incredible innovations, like the invention of writing and the construction of monumental architecture. The civilization was profoundly influential in the development of other Indian cultures, and its legacy has been studied and admired by archaeologists for centuries.
The Indus Valley Civilization was a highly advanced society with a well-developed economy, consisting of irrigated agriculture, sophisticated engineering techniques, and large cities. The civilization is best known for its big cities, including Mohenjo Daro, Harappa, and Ganjistanoo. These massive settlements were built on raised platforms and surrounded by large walls, indicating an advanced level of urban planning that was unsurpassed at the time. The Indus Valley Civilization also developed a complex system of water management that is still used in modern times.
The Indus Valley Civilization is a fascinating example of ancient India’s tremendous ability to develop and thrive despite being threatened by numerous external factors. Its impressive architecture, engineering feats, and innovative ideas will be remembered for years to come by archaeologists and historians alike.
11 Aboriginal Australians (circa 50,000 BCE)
Aboriginal Australians are believed to be the oldest continuous civilization on earth. The Aboriginal people have been living in Australia for at least 50,000 years, and some experts believe that their culture and way of life dates back even further.
The first inhabitants of Australia were likely the Torres Strait Islanders, who arrived about 50,000 years ago. By the end of the last ice age, about 12,000 years ago, the Australian mainland had been colonized by various groups of seafarers and hunters from Southeast Asia. The first Australians were probably hunters and gatherers who lived in small bands of 25 to 50 people.
The first significant Aboriginal settlements date back about 5,000 years. These communities were characterized by a complex social structure and a wide variety of traditional medicines and ceremonies. The first Archaic Period settlements were located in areas that can be considered mallee country – an environment that is now much decimated due to residential subdivision and intensive farming operations.