In Mesopotamia, the birthplace of civilization, the earliest known writing system started around 3,000 BCE. Developed by the Sumerians and written on clay tablets, the first cuneiform is largely ...

The Eurocentric concept of the “Dark Ages” has often obscured the rich, diverse, and sophisticated developments in Africa.

The vibrant period of Ancient Greek civilization from 1200 BCE to 323 BCE gave us exceptional achievements that we continue to benefit from today. It was a long stretch of time that spanned from ...

Today, the term “Fertile Crescent” has been scrutinized both as a concept and as the main origin point for human civilization. However, the region remains archaeologically significant and continues to ...

In his new six-hour series, Africa's Great Civilizations, Henry Louis Gates, Jr. takes a new look at the history of Africa, from the birth of humankind to the dawn of the 20th century. This is a ...