<P> The term `` cradle of civilization '' refers to locations where , according to current arc gical data , civilization is understood to have emerged . Current thinking is that there was no single `` cradle '' , but several civilizations that developed independently , with the Fertile Crescent ( Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt ) understood to be the earliest . Other civilizations arose in Asia among cultures situated along large river valleys , notably the Indus River in the Indian subcontinent and the Yellow River in China . The extent to which there was significant influence between the early civilizations of the Near East and those of East Asia is disputed . Scholars accept that the civilizations of Mesoamerica , mainly in modern Mexico , and Norte Chico in present - day Peru emerged independently from those in Eurasia . </P>
<P> The term `` cradle of civilization '' refers to locations where , according to current arc gical data , civilization is understood to have emerged . Current thinking is that there was no single `` cradle '' , but several civilizations that developed independently , with the Fertile Crescent ( Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt ) understood to be the earliest . Other civilizations arose in Asia among cultures situated along large river valleys , notably the Indus River in the Indian subcontinent and the Yellow River in China . The extent to which there was significant influence between the early civilizations of the Near East and those of East Asia is disputed . Scholars accept that the civilizations of Mesoamerica , mainly in modern Mexico , and Norte Chico in present - day Peru emerged independently from those in Eurasia . </P>
when did the first civilizations in the world arise
when did the first civilizations in the world arise
Fertile Crescent Yellow River in China Indus River in the Indian subcontinent
Fertile Crescent Yellow River in China Indus River in the Indian subcontinent