re: What is your favorite civilization in history?

Romans, they had so many advancements and they advanced civilization so far and fast. My favorite part of their history is reading about the military conquests and defeats. While made for TV the new History channel show 'Barbarians Rising' has done a great job of presenting some Barbarians who won major battles against Rome.

The Chinese are another I just started studying. There is so much and they were great at recording history so you can go so far back. There were so many dynasties and kingdoms it's amazing to follow them all. Then the conquests of the Mongolian hoardes were very swift and well recorded in history. While not the greatest civilization, they let you believe in any God and live how you wanted as long as you paid taxes and swore fealty to the Khan. (those who opposed where wiped out, entire cities were razed and the fields salted after defying the Khans)