* Mesopotamia: The earliest civilization in Asia was Mesopotamia, which was located in present-day Iraq. Mesopotamia was home to the Sumerian people, who developed a complex system of writing, cuneiform, and built some of the world's first cities, such as Ur and Uruk.
* Indus Valley Civilization: The Indus Valley Civilization was another early civilization that flourished in present-day Pakistan and India. The Indus Valley people developed a sophisticated system of irrigation and agriculture, and they were known for their distinctive pottery and jewelry.
* Shang Dynasty: The Shang Dynasty was the first major dynasty in China, and it ruled from around 1600 to 1046 BC. The Shang people were skilled bronzeworkers, and they developed a system of writing that was used for centuries after the Shang Dynasty fell.
* Zhou Dynasty: The Zhou Dynasty succeeded the Shang Dynasty in 1046 BC, and it ruled for over 800 years. The Zhou Dynasty was a time of great cultural and intellectual development, and it saw the rise of Confucianism and Taoism.
Africa
* Ancient Egypt: Ancient Egypt was one of the most powerful and advanced civilizations of the ancient world. The Egyptians developed a complex system of hieroglyphic writing, built some of the world's most famous monuments, such as the pyramids, and made significant advances in medicine and mathematics.
* Nubia: Nubia was a kingdom located in present-day Sudan that was often in conflict with Egypt. The Nubians developed a rich culture of their own, and they produced some of the most beautiful works of art in Africa.
* Aksum: Aksum was a kingdom located in present-day Ethiopia that was a major trading center. The Aksumites were skilled builders, and they constructed some of the tallest buildings in the world.
* Ghana: Ghana was a kingdom located in present-day Ghana that was one of the most powerful states in West Africa. The Ghanaians were skilled warriors, and they controlled a vast trade network.
* Mali: Mali was a kingdom located in present-day Mali that succeeded Ghana. Mali was an even more powerful kingdom than Ghana, and it was known for its wealth and its Islamic culture.
* Songhai: Songhai was a kingdom located in present-day Niger that succeeded Mali. Songhai was the largest kingdom in West Africa, and it controlled a vast trade network.
