BEIJING, CHINA, July 23 -- WHEN one talks of earliest recorded human civilisations, it would be absurd not to include those in Mesopotamia (modern day Iraq), Ancient Egypt, the Indus Valley, and China. However, before we delve deeper into the topic, perhaps it would be prudent to define what civilisation is as it would mean different to different individuals.

Modern day experts have defined civilisation as a complex society characterised by advanced social structures, organised government, and cultural achievements. Salient features would include urbanisation, social stratification and the development of symbolic systems of communication beyond basic language.

Historical records have shown that long distance travels and trade have contr...