Top 10 Greatest Civilizations of All Time

If Rome did not fall, we would be thousands of years more advanced. We probably would have had the industrial revolution around 500 AD.

Rome is truly one of the greatest examples of a great civilization. Their technological advancements and adeptness in conquering made them one of the most superior empires Europe (probably the world) has ever seen. It is truly a shame that Rome fell, one of the greatest tragedies in all of humanity. If Rome just didn't adopt Christianity and were somehow able to conquer the barbarians, we could have skipped the medieval and renaissance eras. We wouldn't have had the Black Plague in Europe, because Rome was already so advanced in medicine, that who knows how cleanly they would be in future years.

Though it is difficult not to compare Rome so easily to Greece, what with Greece's own artistic and scientific advancement as well as the great Macedonian empire, they were not nearly as influential or contiguous as the amazing and marveling ...more

All the West looks upon Rome with envy. America claims to be the new Roman Republic, while Russia says it is the Third Rome.

The most commonly used languages have Roman origins and/or influence, use the Roman alphabet, the world uses the Roman calendar. Christianity, the religion of the Empire, is the worlds largest religion.

All may bask in the glory that was Rome.

I'm Italian and from Roma, so maybe that's why I'm quite biased with my vote.

Rome is truly the Greatest Civilization! Oh yeah Roman-haters will say "But Rome copied Greek art & culture, they don't have their own arts blah blah blah", well I acknowledge the influences of Greek culture & art on Roman culture & art, but do not insult Rome because of this. Actually Rome has its own unique art, especially in architecture, sculpture & painting(wall-painting). Roman architecture is varied, and it is a unique mix of Etruscan and other Italic architectures and Greek architecture, Romans invented Domes, arches and vaults and many more architectural styles that became a trend in the ancient world/antiquity and even in the Renaissance and today! Renaissance architecture continued the Roman legacy in architecture, because Italy still admires her predecessor.
In sculpture, Rome is the best, though it was influenced greatly by greek art it is still unique. Roman sculpture were very ...more

No other civilization has effected western culture as much as the Romans have. They have revolutionized the world with their influences of on the Germanic languages and with their practical creation of the Latin ones. Their influence can be seen all over the world because of western domination: which would not have occurred without them.

The ancient Egyptian civilization power didn't depend on its military power as most of all other ancient civilizations. A great advances in engineering, medicine, and astronomy were achieved by the ancient Egyptians. The enormous Giza pyramids standing in its place since 5000 years prove the superior ability of ancient Egyptians in engineering and astronomy. In addition, the ancient Egyptians showed an non-comparative mercy with their enemies compared with other civilizations in the ancient era.

Egypt is the greatest civilization at all they created Astronomy, medicine, medicine and other things that we still use until now, even in military campaigns. There is a king named Thutmose III. His military strategies are still being studied in the largest military institutes until now. Among the few kings who never lost a war, Ramesses II who built a temple with the sun perpendicular to his face. His statue was on the day of his birth and on the day of his sitting on the throne only, which means that they knew the calendar, the days of the week, the months, and other great things. With others, because it would be unfair to the other civilization that will be compared to it

the administration sponsored mineral exploitation of the valley and surrounding desert regions, the early development of an independent writing system, the organization of collective construction and agricultural projects, trade with surrounding regions, and a military intended to assert Egyptian dominance. Motivating and organizing these activities was a bureaucracy of elite scribes, religious leaders, and administrators under the control of a pharaoh, who ensured the cooperation and unity of the Egyptian people in the context of an elaborate system of religious beliefs.

Egypt is the greatest civilization in history, it was not based on invasions or colonialism and is still the greatest civilization It has sciences that surpass our era in stages, the greatest temples and cities, and the most beautiful ones also have a wonderful cultural and food heritage, and they also knew and worshiped God and believed in monotheism. A civilization ruled by justice, wisdom and peace, and the people preserved their offspring by 88%.

Russia is known as the third Rome but who was the second? The answer is of coarse the Byzantine empire (Greek part of the Roman empire). Although Byzantine was known as the second Rome it had nothing to do with how great and powerful the empire was. Just stop to think that if that was the case then Rome should have been known as the second Greece. In fact Byzantine was known as the second Rome because the emperors of Byzantine were the successors of the Roman emperors. Then the Chars of Russia were the successors of the Byzantine emperors.

Rome copied Greece a lot! But if they hadn't copied Greece then lots of Greek culture would have been lost.

The toughest warriors were Greek, the smartest philosophers, mathematicians, scientists, astronomers, inventors and play writes were Greek. Although we may not be the oldest or have concurred the most amount of land (we still concurred a tone) we made the most contributions to the world by far. The Latin alphabet comes from the ...more

Ancient Greece was the greatest civilization in history without a doubt. The proof is in the putting. Not only is it the basis for Western culture, it also formed the foundation for the Free World. Systems like a democracy and a republic all came from Hellenic freedom. It was also the first known civilization that embraced naturalism. The great pre-socratic philosophers debunked ancient myths and tried to explain everything without the need for superstition. It lead into the first real scientific golden era. You can't even begin to think about mathematics without thinking about the Greeks. Socrates gave us a method of critical thinking, which is indispensable. Plato changed politics forever, and Aristotle revolutionized education. There are almost endless examples of great ancient Greek thinkers, visionaries and heroes that changed the world. Not in the least Alexander the Great. I can go on and on about how enlightened and important ancient Greece was. But let me put it this way, a ...more

Ancient Creece was influenced from other civilizations, mainly of Middle East and Egypt but succeeded to move everything much much ahead, succeeded to advance almost everything much much more. Today, the priciples on philosophy and sciences, remains Greek. The bases of sciences are Greek.
And (ancient) Greece accomplished this, instead of its small size. What was the population of ancient greek people? Very low comparable to the populations of Middle East or Egypt. So Greece is the greatest civilization by the point of the influence even in modern world and because all this knowledge produced by a small population.
The only other so great civilization is chinese but the population was much much bigger.

You cannot say that the Roman Empire was the greatest one because most of what the Romans knew about the world came from Greece. They also borrowed many parts of Greek culture, art, language, etc. The Greek were by the far the most advanced civilization of their time and gave the world much of its basic understanding of science, maths, meaning of history, warfare, medicine, art, etc. Just think about it the, Romans history heavily relied on the Greeks and also it was the Greek who prevnted the Persians from invading Europe which would mean the Romans would not have existed.

They should be like top 3 because of capitalism sciences from great luminaries like Sir Isaac Newton. Also the British started the industrial Revolution which led to economies all around the world today. Not to mention, they have brought the english language to the whole world as a revolutionary language. Although the language people commonly study around the world is American english, that was just a root that derived from the English. The British also have a great culture, which consists of literature with men like shakespeare, to art, to music with the Beatles, the greatest artists of all time, and punk rock bands like the sex pistols, no to mention queen, the rolling stones, genesis, and so on so forth. Without britain no us. Since much of the americans are cultured from the british and are of british, irish, or german descent living in a british colony.

As said before, the British started the Industrial Revolution. The created a worldwide empire that touched ever corner of the world. Where the British did not out occupy they dominated by commercial and diplomatic relations. In they heyday few countries could ignore the British. Their military expertise was equal to any any empire before them. What they could not conquer they bought. In addition they founded a number of colonies that went on to become substantial countries in their own right. USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand.

Largest empire in human history. The single most powerful nation in human history. The only country to overtake China in population. Ruled 1/4 of the worlds surface area for 200 years. The most influencial society in terms of language, innovation, technology, military, and morals. Everything that humanity charishes today was created by britain. England has contributed more to the world than any other sovereign state in human history. Knowledge of gravity, and modern physics, maths, science, literature, music, art, and independence. The british empire was not only able to rise up above all of the other continental superpowers in Europe, but were able to dominate other superpowers around the world such as India and China. It was because of this dominance and success that the small island of great britain became great, and they have continued to be great ever since. Now the empire still lives on in the commonwealth of nations, a peaceful collection of 53 countries that have gained ...more

In almost every standard it has broken the record for largest empire, except from largest continuous land empire ( record held by mongols), No other empire has influenced the world so dominantly since the roman empire. The British Empire was the last true Empire and finally sacrificed it' self during the WW1 and WW2, its legacy remains in it's golden age of exploration, science, philosophy, trade and language. She dominated the waves, and her armies showed courage not seen since Thermopylae or Pharsalus. Hey ways were as exemplary as Lycurgus' Sparta, Caesar's Rome or Shaka's Zulu's. Her wealth un-matched, her strength triumphant her intellect, unfathomable and her place in history set in stone as the Greatest Empire. Built by the Cannons of the Victory, the dominance of Nelson, the words Of Dickens, the ingenuity of Brunell and the Will of Churchill, she is above any list, and she is chiseled in the history of the world as the greatest empire.

Its not like I'm saying America is perfect or sits on the pedestal of highest success in all categories. It has and had its faults. The thing is we don't lead in any category other than defense spending, percent of incarcerated citizens and people who believe in christ. Other countries have followed our model and have the liberties and rights we proclaimed in our founding. We are not the freest nation on earth anymore. We like to regulate everything. So people can reasonably say we aren't the best. BUT. We are the States. Their is pride in being the 900 pound gorilla because we do have a FORCE of a military. Since our inception til the 70's we did nothing but advance in all fields. We are a very young nation, but we represent the democratic republic world. Other nations on here have failed and america isn't failing yet. We just aren't the undisputed best in the world right now. I vote america for the future could be bright with the right footing and the past is great.

I believe a good indicator of how important america is as a civilization is to consider what the world would be like without it. First off it's a major possibility either Germany or Russia would rule most of the world with an iron fist after either side won work war 2. It was only because of Americas strength these nations were kept at bay. Secondly America may be smaller than past empires but that's by choice. America could easily conquer most of the world entirely on it's own apart from possibly Russia or China. Thirdly america has ushered in the digital age through smartphones, the internet, and entertainment the rest of the world still can't compete with. The invention and distribution of these things have influenced the world as deeply or more than the invention of anything else since the discovery of fire. Lastly, america isn't perfect or a world leader in almost any measurable scale but it is still the country where dreams come true. Anyone can become anything they want and ...more

Despite being founded recently, the United States is without a doubt one of the greatest civilizations in the world. It has always been the superpower since the Industrial Revolution, and its entry into WWI marked the turning point and victory of the Allies. Obviously, the United States has its faults, but no one can deny the fact that it has had a huge impact on the world despite only being established 300 years ago, which is evident in several matters such as the massive spread of popular culture and the fact that it was the first country to put a man on the moon.

The United States had an unusual standing after World War II, as it had the only economy in the world that was not in any way negatively affected by the war. They became the bankers of the world, giving them a monopoly on the interest rate to use in ways that would benefit them. They were also the first to make the switch over to oil, which was cheaper to transport and more energy dense than coal. After over a century of economic growth from the 1800s to today, the culture (Yes, there is culture, it isn't possible have no culture, and culture evolves over time. The culture in the south is a lot more relaxed than in New England, and California tends to be more concerned over the environment than the rest of the states. Just putting that out there.) in America has set itself in stone that no matter how you started out or who you are, if you have a determination, and are willing to work for it, you can change your destiny. The United States was also founded on principles like religious ...more

The Mongols might have been barbaric-like people, but their power during their rule and their influence even today is astounding. They were essential in the development and improvement of trade, for example reopening the Silk Road. They also encouraged migration and moved people around their empire to help advance it. It was the first real experiment of interconnection and a 'global village' which allowed modern globalisation to take place. They also helped to spread ideas, culture and inventions, such as Chinese gunpowder to Europe. In fact, they are so influential that their effects can even be seen now. 1 in 200 people are descended from Genghis Khan. You don't see that anywhere else.

The Mongolian Empire is one of the best empires in the history of the world. as said earlier hey reached their peak in 25 years, Rome took 200, and the Mongolian empire was much larger. They have the best cavalry in the history of the world, and a group of 10,000 scouts took out a crusade, which is basically all of Europe's military forces in one place. The first crusade had 600,000 people in it, so basically it was a 60 to one fight and the crusaders still lost, Mongolia is the best and deserves to be recognized for it

The mongols had pure skill on horseback and archery, not to mention the ability to adapt in siege, adding mobile towers and other siege weapons to their arsenal. They established and maintained a great trading system and the silk road. They almost conquered half of the world. It took Rome 200 years to reach their peak, which Mongolia did in 25. They deserve the #1 spot in my opinion.

During a siege they asked to go into an enemy's fortress to measure their well, the pole they used to "measure" the well was poisoned, true military tactics.

The Persian empire achieved massive technological advancements under some of the most harsh circumstances. They influenced an epic portion of land around them, from Kazakhstan to Egypt, and the first Persian dynasty itself ran from Greece to northern India. Now they've been reduced to an average country just as the Greeks, Romans, Indians, Ottomans, British, Kongo, Mongolians, Chinese, Indonesians, and soon US have become. Don't let media fool you, do the real research, visit the country and maybe learn a few things rather than watching a ridiculous severely inaccurate film.

Please study about king cyrus, I'm shocked that america has a name on this list, 200 years isn't history, the persians had half the world with a great difference: there was no bloodshed in advance on the empire (specially by cyrus the first ruler that found and established human rights). There was a time that we shared the world with the romans.

It was larger than any previous empire in history and it is notable for building infrastructure such as road systems and a postal system, the use of an official language across its territories, and the development of civil services and a large professional army.

One of the most successful empires. Made many technological advancements, they made many inventions that influenced modern inventions and life. Without them, humanity would be almost nothing.

By the way, I am Persian, so no surprise I voted on this.

The one and only empire to show that Islam can be unified with Western values. Furtermore, an empire which had control over the Middle East and Eastern Europe, despite being in constant proxy war with the greatest nations, empires etc. such as the British Empire, The Italian Empire, France, The Russian Empire. I would call the Ottoman Empire the only dynasty which could bring a lasting order and peace in Europe and Middle East. What a shame the Ottoman Empire ended in such manner when it had a great potential and was good at diplomatic relations.

"Pax Ottomana" gives us clues about how powerfully peaceful the Ottomans were. In 1453 the new age began with "The Conquest of Istanbul". They proved that the world can be ruled equally in peace, regardless of race, religion, and beliefs. Downfall came with French Revolution, Industrial Revolution, Geographical Discoveries and incompetent technological developments. Nowadays, Ottoman System sounds like a utopia...

They were THE Muslim empire, from former Carthage to former Persia, they united people of all languages and ethnicities. But under only one emperor, no, one Sultan, and most importantly one supreme God.

Commanded mighty military might along with great advances in military tactics/technology. First civilization to arm all solders with firearms.

No, sultan empire was better than Mughal. At least they knew how to rule. Business of that time was best. Mughal didn't rule good. They were reckless about their kingdoms. Yes, they build Taj Mahal. But I also heard that Shah Jahan cut off workers hands. However that's not only the matter. At their time art was too much praised that average economy was downgraded. Cost war between Hindu and Muslims. And overall it cost them their kingdom.

By the way, they couldn't rule till the end of 18 century. At that time they were already dead. They just had the chair. They were probably the people who were lying down on bed and making self portraits.

The mugal empire was an empire of culture... Heritage.. Art... And many more royal things. Infact Akbar the mugal emperor united the 2 distinct religions and conquered almost all parts of India... Alas it was a great dynasty as it evolved in less than a few decade to good quality weapons... Architecture like TAJ MAHAL... And prospered in every possible way...

Yeah yeah, cause some sell their own country, some build Taj Mahal for his beloved wife. And has other wives. While people die for food. Some plan to kill their own king.

The Mughal Empire were very wealthy, in the early 1800's the had 40% of the worlds GDP, between them and China, they had 80%. At the time Britain and Europe did not compare.

From Lauren Perry:
Even vegetarian haggis is delicious.
Highland cows (or coos, if you will). look them up.
Sexy Accents
Tartans.
Bagpipes
Ever been to Edinburgh?
Loch Ness
Isle of Skye
All of the Highlands, as a matter of fact
Men in Kilts (bam)
The tomb of Robert the Bruce
Scotch Whisky.

Constantinople was the most beautiful city in the world until it fell to the barbarians of the east, the savage people that stole its history. I will never forget May 29 1453. The city will be Greek again. It's ridiculous to put the USA well above the Byzantine Empire which was a Greek Empire. It's also highly inaccurate. The Americans are so stupid to think that they have the best civilizations in the world.

Pathetic. The other comments about it falling to 'barbarians' and that 'Americans are so stupid' is complete bull. The Byzantine Empire was indeed a strong nation, but the Ottomans were simply better and finished them off. And Constantinople will be Greek again? Complete bull. Turkey is far superior than Greece is today in economy, military, and doesn't have an insane debt.

East Roman Empire survived for 1000 years. They left an immense heritage behind. Their architecture and science developments were cutting edge of those times. Today Anatolia and especially Istanbul is full of their magical memorial. "Pax Romana" represents their development and peace...

Turkey is not better than Greece dingdong. But anyway the Byzantine empire rules

The greatest civilization and culture and not because I am african

It was powerful and extremely large. The dynasty was fairly stable with a flourishing economy. It wasn't the high point of Chinese civilization, but it was still extremely prosperous and powerful.

This guys better than scotland they are larger but they died out quickly

This is one of the best civilisations. This has the best drainage system and the best bathrooms or toilets. Indus Valley people built granary where they kept their grains. The special Jewellers used to make Jewellery with gold. They made statues with clay! Bronze and silver, they made good quality poetry, they made bowls, wheeled carts, wells, raised mounds and windows for houses too. In history I like to study about the Indus Valley civilisation.

Indus Valley arguably the MOST ADVANCED civilization (and nation) of its time. It had sewers that were unrivaled until Roman Empire. The social conditions were comparable to Sumeria and SUPERIOR to Ancient Egypt and Babylon. It began a long line of Hindu/Indian Subcontinent cultures and civilizations (Maurya Empire and Mughal Empire). It is unknown how it was governed, but it is suggested by some that it could have even a primitive form of DEMOCRACY.

One of the best civilizations ever, I can say. About 5000 years ago, when human beings couldn't think about clothes. The people of Moen-Jo-Daro had drainage system to keep the streets cleaned. When man was struggling to survive his life, these people had swimming pools to refresh themselves.
When man was unaware of clothes, these people would use ornaments for their beauty and they had complete trade system.
One special thing the base of modern technology "The Wheel" was invented by these people.

The forgotten cradle of civilisation, the Indus people were highly advanced for their time, known best for their sophisticated urban planning and sewage systems, as well as their vast trade networks. A very under appreciated civilisation.