The earliest named dynasty of China, once regarded as a mythical one, was the dynasty which lasted from around 2200 B. C. E to around 1800 B. C. E.

A new source of information about ancient China, , were first discovered at the turn of the twentieth century; they contain examples of early writing.

Paul Wheatley argues that ancient Chinese cities, like most ancient cities, began as ritual centers also called cities by Wheatley.

Urban civilization in Mesoamerica exploded into being with the rise of , a city about 40 miles northeast of modern day Mexico City.

Originally written in Maya hieroglyphs, the is the most complete existing collection of creation myths to survive the Spanish conquistadores.

From earliest times to today, there has been considerable linking the coastal lowlands of South America with the cities of the high Andes Mountains.

Five states--Chimu, Chavin, Tiwanka, Huari, and Nazca--established foundations on which the built their powerful but short-lived empire.

The walled stone enclosures, called , built to house local royal rulers, were initiated through contact with Swahili traders along the eastern coast of Africa.

In one thousand years, 500 B. C. E. to 500 C. E., the carried their languages, their new, settled way of life, and their metallurgical skills almost to the southern tip of Africa.

Statuettes in a kneeling position set into walls and under floors suggest the probability of worship among the people of Jenne-jeno.