Final answer:
The ancient civilization referred to in the question is the Hebrews, who lived in Canaan and whose language, Hebrew, is still used today. They are instrumental in Western Civilization history through their monotheistic religion, Judaism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ancient civilization and people that lived in the Land of Canaan are known as the Hebrews. They are the ancestors of the Israelites and developed the Hebrew language, which is still in use today. For example, present-day Israel may be referred to as the Hebrew nation, indicating a reference to their language and historical-cultural identity.
The Hebrews played a significant role in the history of Western Civilization, particularly through the establishment of their monotheistic religion, Judaism. This religion is part of the "Religions of the Book," which also includes Christianity and Islam. The Hebrew Bible or Tanakh provides a rich narrative of their history, which includes their exodus from Egypt, the construction of their monarchy, and their various conquests and conflicts with neighboring empires.
Archaeological evidence shows that the Hebrews settled in Canaan around 1200 BCE and contributed significantly to the culture and trade in the region. While some Biblical stories such as Joshua's conquest of Canaan are not fully corroborated by archaeological findings, other aspects, like the presence of Hebrews in Egypt, may carry historical weight, possibly linked with events like the invasions of the Bronze Age collapse.