Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). Mesopotamia - In the Middle East, the land between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers is the earliest known civilization. Egypt - About 5000 BC, Egypt was ruled by pharaohs who had the Pyramids built for their tombs. Rome - 100 B.C. Romans developed use of concrete which could be poured into any shape. They developed the first paved roads. Read More...