An ancient civilization is a complex society characterized by urban development, social stratification, a form of government, and symbolic systems of communication such as writing. These civilizations are typically associated with the period following the Neolithic Revolution, beginning around 3500–3000 BCE, and are noted for their lasting contributions to science, art, law, and philosophy.
The Bronze Age, spanning approximately 3300 to 1200 BCE, marks a pivotal era in human history characterized by the widespread use of bronze for tools and weapons, leading to significant advancements in metallurgy, urbanization, and the development of complex societies across various regions.
Cuneiform is an ancient writing system developed by the Sumerians of Mesopotamia around 3400 BCE, characterized by its wedge-shaped marks on clay tablets. It is considered one of the earliest forms of written expression and was used to record various languages over millennia.
Hieroglyphs are characters in a pictorial writing system, notably used in ancient Egypt, where symbols represent objects, sounds, or concepts. This script was integral to Egyptian culture, appearing on monuments, tombs, and papyri.
Mycenaean Greece, spanning approximately 1750 to 1050 BC, represents the last phase of the Bronze Age in ancient Greece. It is characterized by advanced palatial states, urban organization, distinctive art, and the earliest form of the Greek language recorded in the Linear B script.
The Neolithic Revolution, also known as the Agricultural Revolution, was the wide-scale transition of many human cultures during the Neolithic period from a lifestyle of hunting and gathering to one of agriculture and settlement, making an increasingly large population possible. This transformation, beginning around 10,000 BCE, led to the development of permanent villages, social stratification, and new technologies.