A civilization is defined as “an advanced state of human society, in which a high level of culture, science, industry and a government have been reached.” According to the National Geographic Society, this includes large population centers, division of labor, a class system, a communication system and monumental architecture/distinctive art. Many once-mighty civilizations have dwindled, been absorbed by other emerging empires, or simply vanished over time. Let’s take a look at five of them.
Credit: (EWY Media/Shutterstock)
(EWY Media/Shutterstock
Starting around 700 CE and lasting for nearly four centuries, a Native American civilization known as Mississippians thrived. Their name is derived from the Mississippi River Valley, where they lived. Their largest community of 20,000 was in Cahokia, now present-day Illinois. The Mississippians lived in small homesteads or villages from the Southeast to the Midwest. They farmed, built earthen mounds (for ceremonial and burial purposes), had trade networks and developed a ...
