Thinking about the Roman Empire? The Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans often dominate the conversation about ancient civilization. However, there are several other cultures that have also made significant contributions to the development of our modern world. Let’s see how many you know.
The Sumerians
Located in the southern part of Mesopotamia, the Sumerians are credited with inventing cuneiform writing around 3400 BC. This form of writing marked one of the first known instances of recorded history. This allowed for the preservation of laws, literary works, and business transactions. The Sumerians also made advances in mathematics, creating a base-60 system that influences how we tell time today.
The Minoans
The Minoans, based on the island of Crete, flourished from approximately 2700 to 1450 BC. They developed one of the earliest examples of an advanced urban civilization. Their architectural techniques, particularly in terms of drainage and water management, were incredibly advanced for their time.
The Axumites
Originating from what is now Ethiopia, the Kingdom of Axum was a trading empire that reached its peak between the 1st and 7th centuries AD. The Axumites established a written script, minted their own currency, and were among the first in the world to adopt Christianity as the state religion. Their strategic control of trade routes across the Red Sea to the Mediterranean significantly influenced commerce and culture in the region.