It is said that the world's first civilizations arose along great river valleys: the Nile, Indus, Yellow, and Tigris/Eurphrates. The civilizations of central and South America appeared to have arisen somewhat later, and in spite of their considerable accomplishments, did not develop metal tools, the wheel or plow agriculture. The Egyptian civilization is further remarkable in that it existed with a relatively consistent culture from the Neolithic until Hellenistic and Roman times, a span of over 3000 years. During most of that time, from the end of the Stone Age to well into the Iron Age, they were the dominant superpower on the planet.

If you had to divide the history of human civilization into two parts, they would essentially consist of Egypt...and everybody else. Using the criteria of stability, longevity and consistency, it is fair to say they were the most successful form of social organization the world has ever, or will ever, see. And although primitive in many ways by our standards, compared to their contemporaries they were a relatively peaceful, prosperous and humane society.

It's something to think about.