Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
This term refers to the ancient societies that existed prior to modern civilization. It includes civilizations such as Ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and the Indus Valley Civilization.
Related terms
Hunter-Gatherer Societies: These were small groups of people who relied on hunting animals and gathering wild plants for survival.
Shamanism: A religious practice in which individuals communicate with spirits or deities to heal psychological disorders.
Humoral Theory: The belief that an imbalance of bodily fluids (humors) causes psychological disorders.