How Many Do You Know?

Despite being centuries old, many ancient civilizations still have a major influence over the world as we know it. From inspiring movies to architecture, to simply being the basis of lots of discussions, here are 10 of the most popular and least-known ancient civilizations.

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1. Ancient Egypt

Ancient Egypt lasted from 3150 BC to 30 BC and is widely regarded for its technological innovation, unique hierarchical system, and fascinating religion. Many monuments from the period still stand strong to this day, which is probably why they’re continuously talked about for their construction and culture.

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2. Feudal Japan

Feudal Japan lasted from 1185 to 1603, and certainly isn’t ancient, but it is quite popular. The era is best known for its samurai code of honor, also known as Bushido. During this period, the region was ruled by shoguns, and many iconic fashions from the attire of the Geisha to the armor of the samurai stem from this time.

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3. Mayan Civilization

The Mayan civilization lasted an exemplary 2,000 years from 2000 BCE to 1697 CE. Many notable inventions such as the Mayan scripts and calendars come from this time. Additionally, ruins and remnants of cities like Tikal and Chichen Itza further solidify their reign over the period.

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4. Ancient Persia

The Achaemenid Empire, which lasted from 550 to 330 BCE, was one of the world's largest empires. It included what is modern-day Turkey, Egypt, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and more, and was ruled by notable leaders such as Darius I and Xerxes I. While the Persians often get a reputation as villains in the stories of others, their military prowess and political power are something to marvel at.

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5. The Roman Empire

The Roman Empire lasted from 27 BCE to 476 CE and led to the establishment of roads, aqueducts, and laws that still have some influence today. Additionally, they imparted their marvelous architecture, including stunning buildings like the Colosseum.

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6. Ancient Greece

Similarly, ancient Greece lasted from 800 BCE to 146 BCE and is considered the cornerstone of democracy and philosophy alike. In addition to this, their mythology and culture have gone on to inspire films of epic proportions, and their basis for mathematics and science is used to this day.

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7. Mesopotamia

Ancient Mesopotamia is a wide-reaching 3,000-year-long period that lasted from 3500 BCE to 539 BCE. They are best known for creating cuneiform and are a source for the very first legal code, known as the Code of Hammurabi. Many early city-states found their rise under Mesopotamia, which was the starting point for advanced agriculture and trade.

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8. Ancient China

Meanwhile, ancient China lasted an exemplary 4,000 years and reigned from 2070 BCE to 1912 CE. One of their greatest construction feats was the Great Wall of China, which still stands strong to this day. However, in addition to this, they created gunpowder, compasses, paper, and silk as well.

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9. The Incas

The Inca Empire existed from 1438 to 1533 CE and was one of the largest pre-Columbian American empires around. Their regime stretched along South America’s western bank, and they had exemplary roads, a written language, and were responsible for the development of iconic sites like Machu Picchu.

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10. The Gupta Empire

Reigning from 320 to 550 CE, the Gupta Empire is also known as the Golden Age of Ancient India. This was due to all the innovations derived in mathematics, literature, and arts at the time. Additionally, the region was quite prosperous and stable, which allowed people to focus on intellectual and artistic pursuits unafraid.

Now that we have talked about the most popular ancient civilizations, here are 10 that people wrongfully forget.

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1. The Hittites

The Hittites were around from 1600 BCE to 1178 BCE, a period of about 500 years. They were responsible for one of the first recorded peace treaties with Egypt, which was thanks to their advanced legal systems. They also developed chariot warfare, indicating their military prowess.

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2. The Minoans

The Minoans lived off Greece for a period of 1,000 years from 2000 BCE to 1450 BCE. They were a Mediterranean maritime superpower and had carved out an in-depth trade network. They also used an early form of writing known as Linear A and had created exceptional architecture in the form of the Palace of Knossos.

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3. The Harappan Civilization

The Indus Valley Civilization lasted from 3300 BCE to 1300 BCE and is best known for the innovative planning that went into great cities like Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro. These cities came well-equipped with advanced drainage systems and became affluent trading hubs.

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4. The Yamato Kingdom

The Yamato Kingdom got its start around 250 CE and is best known as the foundation for the Japanese imperial family. During this period, Chinese culture continued to influence the culture in the archipelago as evidenced by artifacts and tombs at the time.

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5. The Carthaginians

From 814 BCE to 146 BCE, the Carthaginians were a maritime powerhouse in the Mediterranean. They were not afraid of conflict and got involved in wars with Rome. Notably, their general Hannibal would go on to lead quite a siege during the Punic Wars.

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6. The Empire of Mali

The richest man to ever live hails from the Empire of Mali, which was around from 1235 CE onwards. Mansa Musa was so wealthy that when he visited other countries, his shopping would alter their national economies.

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7. Kingdom of Aksum

The Kingdom of Aksum lasted from 100 CE to 940 CE and was known as a powerful and capable trade empire in Africa. They were also early adopters of Christianity and were known to construct monumental obelisks of their own.

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8. The Etruscans

The Etruscans reigned from 800 BCE to 400 BCE and are often confused for the Romans due to their similarities in culture and art. In fact, the Etruscans greatly influenced the religion and engineering of the latter, but had their own unique alphabet.

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9. The Mississippian

The Mississippians are best known for their large earthen mounds, with the most notable examples being at Cahokia. They lived from 800 CE to 1600 CE and reigned an extensive trade network stretching across North America.

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10. The Nubian Kingdom

The Nubian Kingdom was around from 2000 BCE to 1500 CE and is often overshadowed by its neighbors. Regardless, Nubia was considered the land of gold due to their exceptional wealth, and they used this wealth to build their own pyramids and even extend political control over Egypt from time to time.

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