Antiquity

 This article is about the historical period known as Antiquity.
   For the concept in art, see Antiquity (art).

Antiquity, also known as the Ancient Era or Classical Antiquity, refers to a long period of history that encompasses the development of the earliest civilizations, starting from the beginning of recorded human history and extending to the early Middle Ages or the Fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 AD. This era is characterized by the emergence and growth of civilizations around the Mediterranean Sea, including the Ancient Egyptians, Ancient Greeks, and Romans, among others.

Overview

Antiquity is traditionally considered to begin with the development of writing in Sumer around the 4th millennium BC, which marks the start of recorded history. The period is noted for its significant advancements in various fields such as art, philosophy, science, and government, which laid the foundational structures for Western culture and civilization.

Key Civilizations

• Ancient Egypt: Known for its pyramids, pharaohs, and the development of a complex hierarchical society along the Nile River.
• Mesopotamia: Located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, it is often called the cradle of civilization, where writing and the first cities like Ur and Babylon emerged.
• Ancient Greece: Comprising city-states such as Athens and Sparta, it was the birthplace of democracy, Western philosophy, the Olympic Games, and significant scientific and artistic achievements.
• Roman Empire: Dominating the Mediterranean basin, the Romans expanded their empire, bringing with them roads, laws, and the Latin language, which influenced many modern legal and governmental systems.

Cultural and Scientific Achievements

The civilizations of Antiquity are renowned for their contributions to modern world knowledge and culture. The Greeks excelled in philosophy, with figures like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle shaping Western thought. In science, individuals such as Archimedes and Hippocrates laid the groundwork for various scientific disciplines.

The Romans contributed extensively to architectural engineering, creating iconic structures such as the Colosseum and aqueducts that stand as testaments to their engineering prowess. Their legal system, codified in the Twelve Tables, and later in the Corpus Juris Civilis, remains a foundation for contemporary legal systems in many parts of the world.

Religion and Mythology

Religion played a central role in the societies of Antiquity. The Egyptians worshipped a pantheon of gods and believed in an afterlife, which influenced their burial practices. The Greeks and Romans also had their pantheons, with gods such as Zeus and Jupiter at the head, respectively. These mythologies shaped the cultural identities of these civilizations and influenced literature and arts.

Decline and Legacy

The decline of the Roman Empire, often considered the end of Classical Antiquity, was marked by various factors including economic troubles, overexpansion, and military defeats. In 476 AD, the fall of the Western Roman Empire is traditionally marked as the beginning of the Middle Ages.

The legacy of Antiquity remains significant today. The Renaissance, a period of revival of the arts and sciences in Europe, saw a renewed interest in the classical learning and wisdom of the Ancient Greeks and Romans. This period influenced modern Western society in numerous ways, from governmental theory and legal codes to literature and philosophy.

See Also

• History of the ancient Near East
• Classical antiquity
• Timeline of ancient history

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