Top 10Updated 2026年3月12日
Top 10 Oldest Civilizations in the World
This ranking is based on archaeological evidence, using civilization markers such as urban emergence, writing systems, and state formation as criteria, sorted by origin date. It covers independently originated ancient civilizations from Mesopotamia, Nile Valley, Indus Valley, and East Asia's Yellow River basin, showcasing the diverse origins and magnificent achievements of early human civilizations.
Current #1
Sumerian Civilization
| Rank | Civilization Name | Origin Date (years ago/BCE) | Core Region & Iconic Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
Sumerian Civilization | -5500 | Southern Mesopotamia; earliest cuneiform script, wheel, irrigation agriculture, city-state system | |
Ancient Egyptian Civilization | -5500 | Nile River Valley; hieroglyphics, pyramids, solar calendar, centralized dynastic rule | |
Indus Valley Civilization (Harappan) | -3300 | Modern Pakistan/Northwest India; advanced urban planning, drainage systems, undeciphered seal script | |
| 4 | Chinese Yellow River Civilization | -3000 | Central Plains; oracle bone script, bronze ritual vessels, hereditary dynasties, agricultural calendar system |
| 5 | Minoan Civilization | -2700 | Crete; Linear A/B scripts, labyrinthine palaces, maritime trade, fresco art |
| 6 | Akkadian Civilization | -2500 | Mesopotamia; world's first empire, Semitic cuneiform, Sargon the Great |
| 7 | Olmec Civilization | -2500 | Gulf Coast of Mexico; earliest American civilization, colossal stone heads, ballgame, maize agriculture |
| 8 | Babylonian Civilization | -2300 | Mesopotamia; Code of Hammurabi, sexagesimal mathematics, astronomical observations |
| 9 | Hittite Civilization | -2000 | Anatolian Plateau; iron smelting technology, chariot warfare, Battle of Kadesh with Egypt |
| 10 | Mycenaean Civilization | -2000 | Greek Peninsula; Linear B script, Lion Gate, Trojan War legends, Shaft Grave dynasties |
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CategoryHistory & Civilization
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