Ancient civilizations were some of the first organized human societies. Here are four of the most important ones studied in middle school.

Ancient Egypt (c. 3100 BCE)

• Located along the Nile River in northeastern Africa
• Known for pyramids, hieroglyphics, and mummification
• Government: ruled by pharaohs believed to be gods
• Major achievement: the Great Pyramid of Giza

Ancient Mesopotamia (c. 3500 BCE)

• Located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers (modern-day Iraq)
• Known as the "cradle of civilization" — one of the first places writing developed (cuneiform)
• Major achievement: the Code of Hammurabi, one of the earliest written law codes

Ancient Greece (c. 800 BCE)

• Made up of city-states (poleis), including Athens and Sparta
• Athens developed early democracy and is known for philosophy, math, and the Olympics
• Major figures: Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Alexander the Great

Ancient Rome (c. 753 BCE)

• Grew from a city-state into a massive empire across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East
• Government evolved from monarchy to republic to empire
• Major achievements: Roman law, roads, aqueducts, and the Latin language