9 oldest civilisations on earth that shaped the humans

When we talk about ancient civilisations, the first thing that comes to mind is Indus Valley or Mesopotamian civilisations. But there are several other old civilisations that shaped the trajectory of human development leaving a never-ending mark on culture, technology, and how people live in a society.

These ancient societies emerged independently across different regions of the world, each with its unique contributions to humanity. Let’s have a look at 9 oldest civilisations in the world.

Mesoamerica was home to several advanced civilizations, including the Maya, Aztec, and Zapotec. These cultures developed complex societies, monumental architecture, sophisticated calendars, and intricate religious beliefs, leaving a lasting impact on the region's history and culture.

Ancient Greece laid the foundations of Western civilization, with its contributions to democracy, philosophy, literature, and the arts. The city-states of Athens, Sparta, and Corinth are renowned for their cultural achievements, including drama, architecture, and philosophy.

The Olmecs were an ancient Mesoamerican civilization that thrived in present-day Mexico. They are renowned for colossal basalt heads, indicating a complex society with a rich religious and cultural tradition, which influenced later civilizations like the Maya and Aztecs.

The Minoans inhabited the island of Crete in the Aegean Sea and were known for their vibrant art, advanced architecture, and sophisticated palace complexes like Knossos. They were influential traders in the Mediterranean region.

China boasts one of the oldest continuous civilizations, characterized by its rich history, philosophy, and culture. Ancient Chinese dynasties like the Xia, Shang, Zhou, Qin, Han, Tang, and Ming made significant contributions to literature, technology, and governance.

Flourishing in present-day Pakistan and northwest India, the Indus Valley Civilization is known for its well-planned cities like Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa. They had advanced drainage systems and a script that remains undeciphered.

Ancient Egypt, located along the Nile River in northeastern Africa, is noted for its monumental architecture, such as the pyramids, sphinxes, and temples. It developed a sophisticated writing system (hieroglyphs) and made significant contributions to art, science, and mathematics.

Mesopotamia is set amidst the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in present-day Iraq. It also gave birth to the world's first cities, writing system and some complex societies such as Babylon, and Assyria.