The ancient civilization recognized for its contributions to art and philosophy is ancient Greece. Famed for its profound influence on Western thought, ancient Greece produced notable philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, whose ideas laid the groundwork for Western philosophy, ethics, and political theory. In art, the Greeks excelled in sculpture, pottery, and architecture, emphasizing idealism and proportion, as seen in iconic structures like the Parthenon. The civilization's emphasis on inquiry, reason, and the pursuit of knowledge significantly shaped cultural and intellectual developments that resonate in modern society, making ancient Greece a cornerstone of human achievement.