For the ancient civilizations from Egypt, China, and Mesopotamia are often cited as examples of enduring societies that lasted thousands of years. However, due to several factors, it is not easy to determine which has lasted the longest.
Image: DEA / G. DAGLI ORTI / De Agostini via Getty Images
First, modern historians and archaeologists do not agree on a single definition of civilization, including its beginning and end. Additionally, many of these great civilizations have had periods when they were ruled by alien groups, making continuity difficult to imagine.
Second, the Culture The culture at the beginning of a civilization may have differed from the culture at the end of a civilization, leading some scholars to prefer to speak of “cultures” and “traditions” rather than “civilizations”.
In the last century, historians and archaeologists sometimes referred to certain cultures as “civilizations” to justify European colonial empires. However, this hierarchical view of human societies has been challenged over time.
When we consider various measures such as the use of writing, the founding of cities (originally defined as “civilization”), and the continuity of traditions, it seems that Chinese civilization may be the most enduring. However, this depends on the definitions used.
The Chinese text is believed to be the oldest ever found. Image: The History Collection / Alamy Stock Photo
For example, Chinese writing has an unquestioned continuity through millennia, with forms of the same symbols still being used today. However, this criterion cannot be applied to other regions, such as the Americas, where the first forms of writing are more recent.
In the case of China, the archeology of the first states on Chinese territory suggests that their civilization is more than 5,000 years old. However, some historians argue that contemporary China is too different from its past to be considered a continuous civilization.
Assyrian god of Mesopotamia. Image: Gilmanshin via Getty Images
The same applies to Egypt and Mesopotamia. Egyptian civilization lasted about 3,500 years, from the time of the first pharaohs to the adoption of Christianity. However, Egypt was ruled by foreign dynasties at certain times, and both hieroglyphs and Egyptian religion changed over time.
Sumerian writing began in Mesopotamia around 3200 BC. and worship of the Mesopotamian gods probably continued into the 3rd century AD. In this respect, then, Mesopotamia can be considered as enduring as Egypt.
In short, the destiny of the civilization that has lasted the longest is one Challenge Complex. Definitions of civilization, cultural changes over time, and external influences complicate this problem. When analyzing their historical longevity, it is important to consider the diversity and complexity of these societies.