It is not possible to pin down the exact number of civilizations that have disappeared throughout history, as many civilizations and cultures have risen and fallen over thousands of years. Some of the famous extinct civilizations are:
The Maya civilization in Central America
The ancient Roman Empire
The civilization of the Indus Valley in South Asia
and the Easter Island civilization in the Pacific.
It is important to understand that the term “disappeared” can denote a variety of circumstances, including environmental causes, conflict and war, disease, or cultural assimilation. Additionally, some civilizations may not have disappeared completely, but have changed substantially over time. Therefore, it is not possible to determine the exact number of disappeared civilizations, as it depends on the definition and reasons used to identify the “vanished” civilization.
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The Maya civilization in Central America
The Maya civilization was a pre-Columbian civilization that flourished in Central America, particularly in the regions that are present-day Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. The Maya civilization is famous for its advances in fields such as astronomy, mathematics, art, architecture, and written language. They reached their peak during the Classic period, which lasted from approximately 250 AD to 900 AD. During this time, the Maya developed a complex society with a hierarchical system of rulers and priests, a sophisticated agricultural system, and extensive trade networks. The Maya built impressive cities, many of which featured large public plazas, towering pyramids, and intricate stone carvings. They also developed a system of writing known as hieroglyphics, which was used to record their history, religion, and other important information. This written language has allowed scholars to learn much about the Maya civilization, including their astronomical observations and calendar system.
Despite their impressive achievements, the Maya civilization declined in the centuries following the Classic period. There are many theories as to why this decline occurred, including environmental degradation, disease, political conflict, and overpopulation. Today, the Maya people continue to live in the regions where their ancestors once thrived, and their culture and traditions continue to influence the region’s art, music, and way of life. The Maya civilization remains an important part of Central America’s rich history and cultural heritage.
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The ancient Roman Empire
The ancient Roman Empire is one of the most influential and well-known civilizations in world history. It began as a small city-state on the banks of the Tiber River in central Italy and grew to become one of the largest empires in the world, stretching from Spain in the west to Egypt in the east. It was characterized by its highly advanced society, which included impressive architecture, engineering, art, law, and military organization. The Romans built many iconic structures that still stand today, including the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and aqueducts that brought water to cities across the empire. The Roman army was one of the most formidable in the world, allowing the empire to conquer and control vast territories. It was also marked by its extensive system of roads, which facilitated trade and communication throughout the empire. The Romans were skilled engineers, and their impressive structures and inventions contributed to their dominance and influence. It was also a highly hierarchical society, with a complex social and political structure. At its peak, the empire was ruled by an emperor, who wielded immense power over the empire’s affairs. The Romans also developed a sophisticated legal system, which has had a lasting impact on legal traditions throughout the world.
Despite its many achievements, the Roman Empire began to decline in the 3rd century AD. Factors contributing to this decline included political instability, economic difficulties, and invasions by Germanic tribes. The western half of the empire ultimately collapsed in 476 AD, while the eastern half (known as the Byzantine Empire) continued for another thousand years.
Today, the legacy of the Roman Empire can be seen in many areas of modern life, from language and law to art and architecture. The ancient Roman Empire remains an enduring symbol of human achievement and ingenuity.
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The civilization of the Indus Valley in South Asia
The civilization of the Indus Valley, also known as the Harappan civilization, was one of the earliest and most advanced civilizations of the ancient world. It emerged in what is now present-day Pakistan and India and flourished from approximately 2600 BCE to 1900 BCE. It was characterized by its impressive urban planning and advanced engineering, including the use of baked brick for construction and an intricate sewage system. The cities of the Indus Valley civilization were highly organized, with grid-like street layouts and a system of public wells and baths. The people of the Indus Valley civilization were skilled craftsmen, creating intricate pottery, metalwork, and jewelry. They also had a sophisticated system of writing, which has yet to be fully deciphered, and traded extensively with other regions of the ancient world. It was also marked by its impressive agricultural system, which was facilitated by a network of canals and dams. This allowed for the cultivation of crops such as wheat, barley, and cotton, and supported the growth of a prosperous society.
Despite its many achievements, the civilization of the Indus Valley began to decline around 1900 BCE, for reasons that are not entirely clear. Some theories suggest that environmental factors such as climate change and floods played a role in the civilization’s decline, while others suggest that invasions by outside groups contributed to its downfall.
Today, the legacy of the civilization of the Indus Valley can be seen in many areas of modern South Asian culture and society, from language and art to agriculture and urban planning. The civilization of the Indus Valley remains an important part of the ancient world’s rich history and cultural heritage.
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The Easter Island civilization in the Pacific
The Easter Island civilization, also known as Rapa Nui, is an ancient civilization that thrived on the remote Easter Island, located in the southeastern Pacific Ocean. The civilization flourished from approximately 700 AD until the 17th century, when it declined due to environmental degradation and social upheaval. It is known for its impressive monumental statues, called Moai, which were carved from volcanic rock and erected on platforms throughout the island. The Moai are some of the most iconic and recognizable ancient sculptures in the world, and their creation is a testament to the advanced engineering and artistic skill of the Rapa Nui people. The Rapa Nui people also developed a sophisticated society with a hierarchical system of chiefs and a complex religious belief system. The island’s isolated location meant that the Rapa Nui people had limited resources, and they developed a system of terraced agriculture to grow crops such as sweet potatoes.
Despite their impressive achievements, the Rapa Nui civilization experienced a period of decline in the centuries leading up to the arrival of European explorers in the 18th century. This decline was due in part to environmental degradation caused by deforestation and overuse of resources, as well as political conflict and societal upheaval.
Today, the legacy of the Rapa Nui civilization can be seen in the island’s archaeological sites, including the iconic Moai statues. The people of Easter Island continue to maintain their unique culture and traditions, and the island’s remote location and natural beauty make it a popular destination for tourists and scholars alike. The Easter Island civilization remains an important part of the Pacific region’s rich history and cultural heritage.
