The ancient civilizations of the Middle East and Asia boast histories spanning millennia. Iran, for instance, possesses a legacy stretching back tens of thousands of years, with its first city, Susa, established around 3200 BCE. Similarly, the rich tapestry of Chinese civilization extends over 4,000 years, while the Indus Valley Civilization emerged around 3000 BCE. Egypt’s remarkable 3,000-year-long flourishing began circa 3150 BCE, leaving behind a profound architectural and cultural heritage.
Further east, Vietnam’s history stretches back an impressive 20,000 years, with the establishment of early states in 2879 BCE. The Korean peninsula also lays claim to a deep past, with legend placing the founding of the first Korean kingdom by Tangun in 2333 BCE. Georgia’s early governance can be traced to around 1300 BCE, while Armenia’s recorded history begins in the 6th century BCE. The narratives of Israel and Sudan also intertwine with ancient history. Israel’s story is interwoven with the histories of the Canaanites and Israelites, while Sudan’s earliest inhabitants are linked to the Mesolithic era in the Khartoum area. These diverse and interconnected histories offer a glimpse into the rich and complex development of human societies in this critical region of the world.