Final answer:
The ancient civilization referred to in the question is Ancient Egypt, which was a significant and influential civilization that predated others in the region.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject of this question is ancient history. The question asks which civilization was ancient, even to the ancients, and provides information about its cultural and historical significance compared to other civilizations. The correct answer is Ancient Egypt.
Egypt was one of the oldest and most significant civilizations in the ancient world, with cultural and historical achievements that predate other ancient civilizations like the Minoans of Crete and the Israelites. It developed along the Nile River and left a lasting impact on neighboring cultures throughout the Mediterranean.