The Most Popular Civilization, Ranked

Choose the civilization you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 9, 2024 06:34
Throughout history, numerous civilizations have shaped the world as we know it today. Each has contributed unique innovations, cultures, and ideas that continue to influence current societies. Understanding which civilization captures the contemporary imagination can offer insights into global cultural trends and historical legacy appreciation. This online voting tool enables individuals to cast their vote for the civilization they find most influential or intriguing. The live rankings generated from these votes not only reflect the public's current views but also help foster a deeper understanding among readers about the lasting impacts of these great cultures. By participating, users contribute to a dynamic list that highlights which ancient societies still resonate in our modern world.

What Is the Most Popular Civilization?

  1. 1
    77
    votes
    Ancient Egypt
    Most likely Hamish2k, the first uploader · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Ancient Egypt

    Worldbox
    Known for its iconic pyramids, hieroglyphics, and pharaohs, Ancient Egypt remains one of the most fascinating and popular civilizations in history. Its rich culture, art, religion, and architecture continue to captivate people around the world.
    Ancient Egypt was a remarkable civilization that flourished along the Nile River in northeastern Africa. It was characterized by a rich culture, advanced architecture, and a hieroglyphic writing system. This civilization left behind a legacy of monumental structures such as the Great Pyramids of Giza, intricate religious beliefs, and tales of pharaohs and their divine rule.
    • Art and Culture: Elaborate wall paintings, sculptures, and jewelry
    • Location: Northeastern Africa, along the Nile River
    • Architecture: Advanced pyramid construction
    • Writing System: Hieroglyphics
    • Religious Beliefs: Polytheistic religion with many gods and goddesses
    Ancient Egypt in other rankings
  2. 2
    19
    votes
    The Roman Empire is known for its impressive military conquests, engineering feats, and lasting influence on Western civilization. Its legacy can be seen in modern law, language, architecture, and culture.
    The Roman Empire was a powerful and highly influential ancient civilization that lasted for nearly 500 years from 27 BC to 476 AD. It initially started as a republic in the city of Rome and expanded to become one of the largest empires in history, covering a vast territory across three continents.
    • Duration: Nearly 500 years (27 BC – 476 AD)
    • Territory: Covered parts of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East
    • Capital: Rome
    • Government: Initially a republic, later transformed into an autocratic empire
    • Language: Latin
    Roman Empire in other rankings
  3. 3
    43
    votes
    Ancient Greece
    AdiJapan · CC BY 2.5

    Ancient Greece

    Developers of Worldbox
    Known for its contributions to philosophy, democracy, literature, and art, Ancient Greece is still considered one of the most significant civilizations in history. Its myths, gods, and heroes continue to inspire literature and art today.
    Ancient Greece was one of the most advanced civilizations in the Worldbox game. It was created by the developers of the game and is inspired by the real-life civilization of Ancient Greece.
    • City-States: Ancient Greece was comprised of a collection of independent city-states, each with its own government and laws.
    • Democracy: Ancient Greece is known for its early forms of democracy, where citizens had a say in the decision-making process.
    • Philosophy: Ancient Greece gave birth to famous philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, who laid the foundations of Western philosophy.
    • Architecture: The Greeks developed unique architectural styles, most notably the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian orders.
    • Olympic Games: The Olympic Games were founded by the Ancient Greeks and were held in Olympia every four years to honor the gods.
    Ancient Greece in other rankings
  4. 4
    26
    votes
    The Maya Civilization was one of the most advanced and sophisticated civilizations in the Americas. Known for their architecture, art, astronomy, and writing system, the Maya left behind a rich cultural legacy that still fascinates people today.
    The Maya Civilization was a Mesoamerican civilization known for its sophisticated culture, advanced knowledge in astronomy, architecture, mathematics, and writing system. They thrived in the Yucatan Peninsula and surrounding areas from 2000 BCE to 1500 CE.
    • Sophisticated Culture: The Maya had a rich and complex culture, with distinct art, religion, and social structure.
    • Astronomy: They had remarkable astronomical knowledge and developed complex calendrical systems to track celestial events.
    • Architecture: The Maya built impressive architectural structures, including stepped pyramids, temples, and palaces.
    • Mathematics: They had a sophisticated numerical and mathematical system, including the concept of zero.
    • Writing System: The Maya developed the only fully developed writing system in pre-Columbian America, known as hieroglyphics.
  5. 5
    23
    votes

    Inca Empire

    SuperWorldBox
    The Inca Empire was the largest empire in South America, known for its impressive engineering feats, such as Machu Picchu, and its complex social structure. The Inca civilization still holds a special place in the hearts of many South Americans today.
    The Inca Empire was a powerful and advanced civilization that existed in South America from the 13th to the 16th century. It was known for its impressive organizational skills, engineering marvels, and intricate social structures. The empire spanned across present-day Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, and parts of Colombia, Chile, and Argentina.
    • Territory: Covered an area of approximately 2 million square kilometers
    • Capital: The capital city was Cusco, which was considered the heart of the empire
    • Language: Quechua was the official language of the empire
    • Road System: The empire had an extensive road network called the Inca Road, which covered over 40,000 kilometers
    • Agriculture: Innovative agricultural techniques such as terracing and irrigation helped sustain a large population
    Inca Empire in other rankings
  6. 6
    10
    votes
    China has a long and rich history, spanning thousands of years. Its contributions to philosophy, art, science, and technology are still celebrated today. The Chinese civilization has left an indelible mark on the world, influencing everything from tea to paper to martial arts.
    Chinese Civilization is one of the oldest continuous civilizations in the world. It originated in the fertile plains and river valleys of East Asia, primarily in the Yellow River Basin. With a rich and diverse history spanning over 5,000 years, it has made significant contributions to various fields including art, philosophy, literature, science, technology, and governance.
    • Great Wall of China: One of the most recognizable landmarks, it is the longest man-made structure ever built.
    • Confucianism: A philosophy and moral code that greatly influenced Chinese society and governance.
    • Silk Road: An extensive network of trade routes that connected China with various regions of the world.
    • Four Great Inventions: The compass, papermaking, gunpowder, and printing techniques revolutionized science, communication, and warfare.
    • Chinese characters: One of the oldest writing systems still in use, consisting of thousands of complex characters.
  7. 7
    10
    votes

    Persian Empire

    Worldbox game developers
    The Persian Empire was one of the greatest empires in world history, known for its military prowess, art, and architecture. The Persian Empire was also one of the most tolerant and diverse of its time, allowing its subjects to practice their own religions and customs.
    The Persian Empire was one of the most advanced civilizations in Worldbox. It was created by the game developers and had a rich historical background and extensive territories.
    • Territory: Vast lands spanning from Egypt to India
    • Military Strength: Powerful armies and well-trained soldiers
    • Administration: Efficient bureaucracy and organized governance
    • Infrastructure: Advanced road networks, aqueducts, and buildings
    • Cultural Achievements: Promotion of arts, literature, and architecture
    Persian Empire in other rankings
  8. 8
    8
    votes
    Viking Civilization
    Stipa Jennifer · CC BY-SA 4.0
    The Vikings were known for their seafaring skills, exploration, and raids. However, they also had a rich culture, mythology, and art that continue to fascinate people today. The Viking civilization had a lasting impact on European history and culture.
    The Viking Civilization refers to the culture and society of the Norse people, originating primarily from the Scandinavian region during the Viking Age (approximately 793-1066 AD). The Vikings were seafaring warriors and traders known for their military prowess, exploration, and significant impact on European history.
    • Geographic Range: Scandinavian region (modern-day Norway, Sweden, and Denmark), and later expanded to other parts of Europe, including Iceland, Greenland, the British Isles, and even as far as North America.
    • Seafaring: The Vikings excelled in shipbuilding and navigation, enabling them to engage in long-distance travel, exploration, and trade.
    • Raiding and Warfare: Their reputation as fierce raiders and warriors is well-known. Vikings conducted raids on various European coastal regions, including monasteries and trading centers.
    • Trading: Alongside raiding, Vikings also engaged in extensive trading networks, exchanging goods such as furs, honey, weapons, and slaves.
    • Norse Mythology: The Vikings had a rich mythological and religious belief system, worshiping gods and goddesses such as Odin, Thor, and Freya.
  9. 9
    2
    votes
    The Aztec Empire was one of the most powerful and advanced civilizations in the Americas before the arrival of the Spanish. Known for their art, architecture, and military prowess, the Aztecs left behind a rich cultural legacy that still inspires people today.
    The Aztec Empire was a highly developed civilization that thrived in present-day Mexico from the 14th to the 16th century. It was characterized by its advanced agricultural practices, intricate social hierarchy, and remarkable architectural and artistic achievements.
    • Location: The Aztec Empire was primarily situated in the Valley of Mexico, with its capital city, Tenochtitlan, located on an island in Lake Texcoco.
    • Size: At its peak, the empire covered an estimated area of 200,000 square kilometers (77,000 square miles).
    • Government: The empire had a hierarchical government led by an emperor, who held both political and religious authority. Below the emperor were nobles, priests, and a large bureaucracy.
    • Religion: The Aztecs had a complex polytheistic religion, with a primary focus on the worship of Huitzilopochtli, the god of the sun, war, and human sacrifice. Human sacrifice played a significant role in religious rituals.
    • Agriculture: The Aztecs were skilled farmers who developed innovative irrigation systems and practiced terraced farming. They cultivated crops such as maize, beans, squash, and tomatoes.
  10. 10
    6
    votes
    The Ottoman Empire was one of the most influential empires in world history, spanning three continents and lasting for over 600 years. Known for its military might, art, and architecture, the Ottoman Empire left behind a rich cultural legacy that still resonates with people today.
    Ottoman Empire in other rankings

Missing your favorite civilization?

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Ranking factors for popular civilization

  1. Population
    A civilization's population and the number of people belonging to that civilization is an important factor in determining its popularity. Larger populations usually correlate with greater cultural, political, and economic influence.
  2. Historical and cultural significance
    Civilizations with a rich and well-known history, significant cultural contributions, and architectural marvels will generally be more popular.
  3. Scientific, artistic, and technological achievements
    Civilizations that have made significant contributions to science, art, and technology will also likely rank higher in terms of popularity.
  4. Economic power
    A civilization's economic strength and global influence can also play a role in its popularity. Wealthy civilizations might attract more interest from the rest of the world.
  5. Military prowess and influence
    Civilizations with a strong military presence and a history of conquests may also be considered more popular, due to their impact on world events.
  6. Influence on modern society
    The extent to which a civilization has shaped and continues to impact modern societies also factors into its popularity. For example, civilizations with lasting influences on language, law, or political systems may be ranked highly.
  7. Duration and stability
    A civilization's longevity and the stability it enjoyed throughout its history can also contribute to its popularity. Civilizations that have lasted for millennia and successfully navigated periods of turmoil are often seen as more significant and influential.
  8. Public awareness and education
    The level of exposure and education people have about a particular civilization can greatly impact its popularity. Civilizations that feature prominently in school curricula, documentaries, and other popular media will likely be more well-known and popular.
  9. Geographic spread and diversity
    Civilizations that spanned vast territories and encompassed diverse cultures and peoples may also be considered more popular due to their broad reach and impact on a larger number of societies.
  10. Iconic symbols and figures
    The presence of easily recognizable symbols, monuments, and historical figures associated with a civilization can also contribute to its popularity. For example, the Egyptian pyramids, Roman Colosseum, and Greek philosophers are all iconic elements that contribute to the popularity of their respective civilizations.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular civilization. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Civilization is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2005 views
  • 225 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Civilization once every 24 hours. The rank of each Civilization is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular civilization

Civilizations have been the cornerstone of human history, and the diversity of cultures and societies that have emerged throughout history is truly remarkable. From ancient empires to modern nations, each civilization has its own unique characteristics, values, and achievements that have shaped our world in countless ways. But which civilization is the most popular? This is a question that has been debated by historians, scholars, and enthusiasts for decades. Some argue that ancient civilizations like the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians have had the greatest impact on human civilization, while others point to more recent powers like the British Empire, the United States, or China. At StrawPoll, we've asked our users to weigh in on this question by hosting thousands of polls and rankings on the topic. From popular vote contests to in-depth surveys, we've collected a wealth of data on the most popular civilizations throughout history. So, whether you're a history buff or simply curious about the world's most influential civilizations, StrawPoll is the go-to source for all your polling needs.

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