Why isn't ancient Greece one of the four ancient civilizations of the Old World?

The term "Four Ancient Civilizations of the Old World" typically refers to four specific ancient civilizations: Mesopotamia (Sumer), Ancient Egypt, the Indus Valley Civilization, and Ancient China. These civilizations are often highlighted due to their significant contributions to human history, including the development of writing systems, monumental architecture, complex societies, and advancements in various fields such as science, mathematics, and governance.

Ancient Greece is indeed considered one of the most influential civilizations in history, but it is often distinguished from the aforementioned four civilizations for several reasons:

Geographic and Chronological Differences: While the four civilizations mentioned above emerged in specific regions (Mesopotamia, Egypt, the Indus Valley, and China) during the Bronze Age, Ancient Greece developed later, during the Iron Age and Classical Antiquity. Its geographical location in the Mediterranean region also distinguishes it from the other four.

Unique Cultural and Political Development: Ancient Greece had a distinct cultural and political development, characterized by city-states (polis), democratic governance (in some city-states), and significant contributions to philosophy, literature, art, and architecture. While it interacted with the civilizations of the Ancient near East and Egypt, it maintained its unique identity and development trajectory.

Historiographical Traditions: Historically, the study of ancient civilizations often focused on the four aforementioned cultures due to their early recognition by scholars and their monumental remains. Ancient Greece, while recognized for its significance, has sometimes been studied separately or within the broader context of Western civilization.

Influence and Legacy: Despite not being included in the specific grouping of the "Four Ancient Civilizations," Ancient Greece's influence on subsequent civilizations, including the Roman Empire and Western civilization, is profound. Its contributions to philosophy, democracy, literature, mathematics, and the arts continue to shape global culture and thought.

In summary, while Ancient Greece is not typically included in the specific grouping of the "Four Ancient Civilizations," it remains a critical and influential civilization in human history, with its own unique characteristics, contributions, and legacy.