"Any complex society characterized by the development of the state, social stratification, urbanization, a currency, and symbolic systems of communication beyond natural spoken language (namely, a writing system)."
The study of early human civilizations such as Ancient Greece, Rome, Egypt, and Mesopotamia.
Paleolithic Era: This is the earliest period of human history, which began about 2.6 million years ago and lasted until around 10,000 BCE.
Neolithic Era: This was a period of the Stone Age that began about 10,000 BCE and lasted until the development of metalworking.
Mesopotamia: This is an ancient region that is now located in modern-day Iraq, and is known as the cradle of civilization.
Egypt: This ancient civilization arose along the Nile River in North Africa, and was known for its pyramids, hieroglyphics, and sophisticated system of government.
Indus Valley Civilization: Ancient civilization in South Asia emerged in the Indus River valley and lasted for several centuries.
China: This ancient civilization has a rich history that dates back to around 2000 BCE, and includes the development of early writing systems, the construction of the Great Wall, and the creation of dynasties.
Greece: This ancient civilization is known for its contributions to philosophy, art, architecture, and politics, and includes famous city-states such as Athens and Sparta.
Rome: The Roman Empire was one of the most powerful and enduring empires in world history, spanning over 1,000 years and having a profound impact on Western culture.
Phoenicia: This ancient civilization was located in modern-day Lebanon and was known for its maritime trade, writing system, and creation of the alphabet.
Mesoamerica: This region of Central America was home to several ancient civilizations, such as the Maya, Aztec, and Olmec, known for their sophisticated systems of agriculture, mathematics, and monumental architecture.
Africa: The continent has a rich history of diverse and complex civilizations, including ancient empires such as Ethiopia, Ghana, and Mali.
Oceania: Australia and its surrounding islands have a long history of indigenous cultures and diverse societies that developed in isolation from the rest of the world.
Ancient Technology: This topic covers various innovations in engineering, agriculture, medicine, and other fields that were developed by ancient civilizations.
Social and Political Systems: Ancient civilizations developed complex systems of government, commerce, and religion that shaped their societies and interactions with other civilizations.
Mythology: This topic covers ancient beliefs and legends that helped societies understand their place in the world and gave rise to art, literature, and traditions.
Architecture: Ancient civilizations built monumental structures that still stand today and reflect their values, beliefs, and achievements.
Trade and Commerce: This topic looks at the exchange of goods and ideas among ancient civilizations, along with the development of routes and networks for trade.
Warfare and Conflict: This topic covers the various methods of warfare used by ancient civilizations, as well as the social and political factors that led to conflict.
Environment and Geography: This topic explores the impact of natural resources, climate, and geography on the development of ancient civilizations.
Art and Literature: Ancient civilizations created a rich legacy of artistic expression, including painting, sculpture, writing, and music.
Mesopotamian Civilization: This was the civilization that emerged in the Tigris and Euphrates river valley in present-day Iraq. They were known for inventing the wheel, writing, agriculture, and organized city-states.
Egyptian Civilization: The ancient Egyptians held authority in the Nile River valley for over 3,000 years. They were known for the Pyramids, Hieroglyphics, Religion, and Pharaohs.
Indus Valley Civilization: This Civilization developed along the Indus River in present-day Pakistan and northern India. They are well-known for their sophisticated city planning and water management systems.
Chinese Civilization: The ancient Chinese developed in the valleys of the Yellow and Yangtze Rivers. They developed the first civilization to leave written records, and their history covers more than 3,000 years.
Mesoamerican Civilizations: These civilizations developed in present-day Mexico and Central America. They include the Mayan, Olmec, Toltec, and Aztec civilizations. They are well-known for their pyramids, temples, and ritual sacrifices.
Andean Civilizations: The ancient Andean Civilizations were located in the Andean Mountains of South America, including the Inca, Moche, and Nazca. They are known for their architecture, agriculture, and elaborate road networks.
Greek and Roman Civilizations: These two civilizations played significant roles in shaping Western culture. The Greek Civilization is known for advances in philosophy, art, and science. The Roman Civilization, known for its architecture, army, and law, dominated most of Europe and the Mediterranean.
Persian Civilization: The Persian Empire was founded in present-day Iran and expanded to include a wide range of modern-day countries. They are well-known for their trade, art, and contributions to mathematics and astronomy.
Indian Civilization: Indian Civilization includes the Indus Valley Civilization as well as the Vedic Civilization that later emerged in northern India. They are known for their extensive religious texts, and inventions like the zero and decimal system.
African Civilizations: Ancient Africa was home to many great civilizations, including Ancient Kush, Axum, and the kingdom of Ghana. They are known for rich cultures, Arab and African systems of government, and a rich agricultural history.
"Features including agriculture, architecture, infrastructure, technological advancement, taxation, regulation, and specialization of labor."
"A civilization has often been understood as a larger and 'more advanced' culture, in implied contrast to smaller, supposedly less advanced cultures."
"Non-centralized tribal societies, including the cultures of nomadic pastoralists, Neolithic societies, or hunter-gatherers."
"Civilizations are organized dense-populated settlements divided into hierarchical social classes with a ruling elite and subordinate urban and rural populations."
"Agriculture, mining, small-scale manufacture, and trade."
"Civilization concentrates power, extending human control over the rest of nature, including over other human beings."
"The word 'civilization' relates to the Latin word 'civitas' or 'city.'"
"The earliest emergence of civilizations is generally connected with the final stages of the Neolithic Revolution in West Asia."
"A political development associated with the appearance of a governing elite."
"A key characteristic of civilizations, indicating divisions within society."
"Urbanization is a characteristic of civilizations, contributing to their complexity and development."
"The organized and dense settlement within civilizations allows for intensive agriculture."
"Features that demonstrate the institutional and economic complexity of civilizations."
"It contrasts with non-centralized tribal societies, including the cultures of nomadic pastoralists."
"It contrasts with non-centralized tribal societies, including the cultures of hunter-gatherers."
"A symbolic system of communication beyond natural spoken language, enabling complex societal organization and record-keeping."
"Smaller, supposedly less advanced cultures."
"Mining, indicating the utilization of resources beyond basic sustenance."
"It is a feature of civilizations, indicating the development of skilled individuals in specific tasks or professions."