Ancient civilizations refer to societies and cultures that existed in the ancient world, typically before the Middle Ages. These civilizations developed complex and sophisticated cultures, often creating impressive architectural structures, artwork, and writing systems. Some well-known ancient civilizations include the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Mesopotamians, and Mayans. Researchers in this field study the history, art, literature, religion, and daily life of these ancient societies to better understand their customs, beliefs, and contributions to human history. Studying ancient civilizations helps us gain insight into the origins of modern societies and the development of technologies, trade networks, and cultural innovations.