Ancient civilization refers specifically to the first settled and stable communities that became the basis for later states, nations, and empires.
A civilization can be defined as a complex culture with five significant characteristics: advanced cities, specialized workers, complex institutions, record keeping, and advanced technology.
One of the most notable PPNA (Pre-Pottery Neolithic-A) settlements is Jericho, Palestine, thought to be the world's first town (settled around 9600 BC and fortified around 6800 BC). Current theories and findings identify the Fertile Crescent as the first and oldest cradle of civilization.