5000 years ago there began a momentous revolution which shapes our lives even today. City civilization appeared for the first time in Mesopotamia (now Iraq), followed by Egypt, India, China and the Americas. In each of these regions civilization developed independently, and each had its own distinct vision - very different from the values of the modern Western world - which are now seen as a yardstick of growth, politics and morality. But the ideals of these ancient civilizations still influence the majority of the world's population. Based on the author's Central TV series, this book explores these ancient cultures, seeking their essential character and their continuing legacy.

This text explores the ancient cultures, from Mesopotamia, to Egypt, India, China and the Americas, looking at their character and continuing legacy. It addresses questions such as: what is civilization?; did it mean the same to the Chinese, Indians and Greeks?; and what can those values teach us?