The textbook “Ancient East” is devoted to the formation, development and characteristics of the world’s first civilizations, the history of which begins from the 4th millennium BC. The manual consists of 7 chapters: “Ancient Egypt”, “Ancient Mesopotamia”, “Asia Minor and Transcaucasia in Antiquity”, “Eastern Mediterranean and Arabia”, “Ancient Iran”, “Ancient India” and “Ancient China”. Each chapter has a clear structure that makes it easier to find the necessary material. Explanations of the main historical terms and concepts of the period under study are provided. The authors of the book are leading specialists from the Institute of General History of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, teachers of Moscow State University. M. V. Lomonosov, Russian State University for the Humanities. For students of higher educational institutions, teachers and everyone interested in history.