Whether its healthy or not, humanity has always felt a drive to compare itself and its accomplishments to other civilizations. The civilizations of ancient Greece, Babylon and Egypt had distinct achievements, values and cultures. While it is impossible to say which of these ancient civilizations was the most successful or influential, a comparison can be made to highlight the achievements and values of each civilization.
The ancient Greeks are remembered for their advances in philosophy, literature and art, as well as their democracy. They were the first to develop a system of formal education, establish democratic structures and formalize their language and literature. The Greeks were also talented trade and expansionists and their colonies spread across the Mediterranean.
The ancient Babylonians are remembered for the innovative irrigation and water management techniques, as well as their legal innovations. The Babylonians were the first to develop a code of laws, which is considered to be the worlds first example of such a system. They also created an early form of banking and finance, in which gold and silver coins were used as currency.
The ancient Egyptians were well known for their innovation in engineering and architecture, as well being renowned for their religious and spiritual practices. Their engineering achievements included constructing the Great Pyramids, dams and irrigation systems. Meanwhile, their spiritual practices helped shape the ancient worlds concept of the afterlife.
While there is no definitive answer as to which civilization was the most successful or influential, it is possible to conclude that each of the three contributed in their own unique way to the development of humanity. The ancient Greeks were instrumental in the development of formal educational and democratic systems and their colonies spread, leaving a lasting influence throughout the ancient world. The Babylonians were innovative in their use of irrigation, finance and laws, while the Egyptians left a significant impact on our concept of spiritualism, engineering and architecture. Thus, each civilization can be seen as a vital piece of the larger puzzle of human progression.
