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Minoan Civilization (Crete) -

Flourishing on Crete from around 2600 to 1100 BCE, the Minoans were known for their elaborate palaces, such as Knossos (pictured), and their vibrant frescoes.

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Etruscan Civilization (Italy) -

Predating Rome, the Etruscans (8th–3rd century BCE) were renowned for their art, sophisticated city planning, and mysterious language.

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Hittite Empire (Anatolia) -

Dominating Anatolia and parts of the Middle East from the 17th to the 11th century BCE, the Hittites were influential in Bronze Age politics.

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Urartu Civilization (Armenia and Turkey) -

Existing from around 860 to 590 BCE, Urartu is celebrated for its advanced metallurgy and unique script.

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Sogdian Civilization (Central Asia) -

Flourishing from the 6th century BCE to the 11th century CE, the Sogdians were key players in the Silk Road trade.

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Elamite Civilization (Iran) -

Ancient Elam, existing from ca. 2700 to 539 BCE, was known for its unique script and rivalry with Mesopotamian civilizations.

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Nok Culture (Nigeria) -

Renowned for its terracotta sculptures, the Nok thrived in West Africa from around 1000 BCE to 500 CE.

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Zapotec Civilization (Mexico) -

The Zapotecs, from 500 BCE to 900 CE, built the city of Monte Albán and developed a unique calendar and writing system.

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Mississippian Culture (United States) -

This culture, from 800 to 1600 CE, was known for its large earthen mounds, like those at Cahokia.

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Phrygian Kingdom (Anatolia) -

Known from the 8th to the 3rd century BCE, Phrygia was famous for its legendary King Midas and rich cultural heritage.

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Harappan Civilization (Indus Valley) -

Present from 2600 to 1900 BCE, it's known for its advanced urban planning and undeciphered script.

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Caral-Supe Civilization (Peru) -

One of the oldest in the Americas, Caral (2600 to 2000 BCE) is noted for its monumental architecture and urban planning.

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Dacian Kingdom (Romania) -

Flourishing from 1st century BCE to 1st century CE, they're remembered for their resistance against Roman conquest.

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Scythians (Eurasia) -

Nomadic warriors of the 1st millennium BCE, the Scythians are noted for their skill in horseback archery and ornate gold work.

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Lydian Kingdom (Turkey) -

Flourishing in the 7th century BCE, Lydia is credited with introducing the first coined money.

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Kingdom of Kush (Sudan) -

Lasting from 1070 BCE to 350 CE, Kush was a major power in Northeast Africa, known for its pyramids and iron production.

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Sabaean Kingdom (Yemen) -

Prosperous from ca. 1000 BCE to 275 CE, Sabaeans thrived on the spice trade and built the impressive Marib Dam.

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Muisca Confederation (Colombia) -

Known for their gold work and the El Dorado legend, the Muisca thrived in the Andes from the 6th to the 16th century CE.

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Kingdom of Aksum (Ethiopia and Eritrea) -

A naval and trading power from the 1st to the 7th century CE, Aksum's legacy includes towering obelisks and a conversion to Christianity. 

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Thracian Tribes (Southeast Europe) -

Scattered across the Balkans from 1000 BCE to the 4th century CE, they're known for their fierce warriors and metal craftsmanship.

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Kingdom of Punt (Horn of Africa) -

Famed in Egyptian records for its riches, Punt's exact location remains a mystery, but it was a known trading partner of ancient Egypt.

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Bactrian Kingdom (Afghanistan) -

This Hellenistic state, from the 3rd to the 2nd century BCE, was an amalgamation of Greek and Central Asian cultures.

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Cucuteni-Trypillian Culture (Eastern Europe) -

Lasting from 5500 to 2750 BCE, this culture is noted for its large settlements and intricate pottery.

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Tartessos (Spain and Portugal) -

Active between the 9th and 6th centuries BCE, Tartessos was known for its wealth in metals and trade with Phoenicians.

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Kingdom of Funan (Southeast Asia) -

A maritime empire from the 1st to 6th centuries CE, Funan played a crucial role in the regional spice trade.

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Nabatean Kingdom (Jordan) -

Flourishing from the 4th century BCE to 106 CE, the Nabateans are famous for carving the city of Petra into rock.

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Parthian Empire (Iran) -

Known for their heavy cavalry and clashes with Rome, the Parthians ruled from 247 BCE to 224 CE.

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Olmec Civilization (Mexico) -

Dating from 1200 to 400 BCE, the Olmecs are considered the "Mother Culture" of Mesoamerica, known for their colossal stone heads.

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Maurya Empire (India) -

This powerful empire from 322 to 185 BCE, founded by Chandragupta Maurya, is remembered for its vast territory and Ashoka's Buddhist influence.

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Vinča Culture (Southeast Europe) -

Thriving from 5700 to 4500 BCE, the Vinča people are celebrated for their advanced urban settlements and symbolic script, which is among the earliest forms of writing in Europe. Their pottery and figurines display a unique artistic style.

Sources: (Britannica) (ThoughtCo)

See also: Why the Maya civilization is so fascinating

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The very first rulers of these ancient civilizations - The very first rulers of these ancient civilizations

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