The term "four ancient civilizations" was first put forward by Mr. Liang Qichao. Liang Qichao used this definition for the first time in Song of the Pacific Ocean in the 20th century in 1900, and noticed that there are four ancient civilizations on the earth: China, India, Egypt and Asia Minor. Liang Qichao's statement came from the "cradle of five civilizations" recognized by the world academic community at that time.

At present, there are five cradles of civilization recognized by international academic circles. The History of World Civilization (American William Gao Xi) said, "Babylon (4000 BC to 2250 BC), ancient Egypt (3500 BC), ancient Greece (3000 BC to 1 100 BC), ancient India (2000 BC) and ancient China. This is the most recognized statement in academic circles. Other sayings include: "Ancient Egypt, ancient India, ancient Babylon, ancient Greece, ancient Maya", "Ancient Egypt, ancient India, ancient Babylon, ancient Inca, ancient China".

At present, the academic circles in China generally believe that China is one of the cradles of world civilization with a history of 4,078 years. It is also called "four ancient civilizations" with ancient Egypt, Babylon and ancient India.

That is to say, the international community thinks there are five and China thinks there are four.

Both include China.