In this webinar, UChicago Professors Alan Kolata, James Osborne and Edward Shaughnessy will explore the shared journey of the world’s earliest civilizations, which began as riverine settlements where agriculture, culture, and community first took root. Through a comparative lens, our panel will trace how these foundational landscapes evolved into remarkably complex cities across different regions. The discussion highlights common transformations in urbanization, governance, and belief systems, offering a foundational perspective on the diverse cultural heritage that shapes our world today. Join us with moderator Professor Kenneth Pomeranz for the inaugural session of the Global Heritage series.