Ancient civilizations emerged around 3500 BCE with Sumerians in Mesopotamia, known for cuneiform writing and advanced irrigation. Egypt followed, flourishing along the Nile with the Great Pyramids and hieroglyphics. Indus Valley Civilization in South Asia displayed remarkable urban planning by 2500 BCE. Ancient China's Shang Dynasty brought early Chinese script and bronze metallurgy around 1600 BCE. Greece's Minoans and Mycenaeans predated the classical era, while the Roman Empire dominated Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East from 27 BCE to 476 CE. These civilizations laid foundations for human progress in arts, sciences.