

I would like to use "Laputa: Castle in the Sky" as an example, but the
identifying features that I'm particularly interested in identifying are the
ancient, yet advanced technological civilization(s) that left behind the city
itself.

Is there a word or genre specifically describing the ancient yet
technologically advanced civilization trope (specifically those more advanced
than present day civilizations)?


CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-05-17T04:25:06.887
32155
2016-06-26T07:15:41.537
2016-05-17T04:31:51.550
1908
24104
question
tropes terminology
Name of classification/trope of anime with advanced/ancient civilizations


"Precursors" or "forerunners" would be the title given to the
society/societies that came before but they are not titles that would be
classified as a genre. The closest thing to an official genre title that you
would get is, "post-apocalyptic". Post-apocalyptic settings are those that
take place after the end of the world. in certain instances the end of the
world does not mean the end of humanity and so they start the world anew. I
would recommend searching post-apocalyptic animes if reborn society is what
you are into. Attack On Titan, Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet, and Murder
Princess, are all examples of animes with functional societies that speak of
"technology from the old world", even though the ancient technology is
futuristic by comparison to their own. Enjoy


CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-05-26T05:33:28.953
32342
2016-05-26T05:42:29.610
2016-05-26T05:42:29.610
18598
18598
32155
answer


I'd say either **[Lost Technology](https://anidb.net/t4521)** (as used by
anime/games like Galaxy Angel and a tag from AniDB) or **Lost Civilization**
(just a common term usually referred to stuffs like Atlantis) is what you're
most likely looking for. It might not be the best term though.

Some other closely related terms are **Technological Regression** (a term I
personally use, just as the term says) and
**[Dystopia](https://anidb.net/t2882)** (another AniDB tag). I personally
prefer the term Dystopia but it's basic definition is an "undesirable place"
and doesn't have to mean "regressing into a lesser advanced civilization" but
most of the time I find them in tandem on stories.


CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-05-26T15:42:57.023
32351
2016-05-27T07:06:25.510
2016-05-27T07:06:25.510
24324
24324
32155
answer