Ancient art covers a wide span of time, from prehistoric periods to the civilizations of Ancient Greece and Rome. Here’s an overview of the key artistic periods and civilizations within this category:

Prehistoric Art:

Paleolithic Art: Earliest known art forms, including cave paintings and portable sculptures, created by early human societies.
Neolithic Art: Artifacts like pottery, tools, and megalithic structures, as communities shifted from hunting and gathering to agriculture.
Ancient Near Eastern Art:

Sumerian Art: Characterized by ziggurats (temple towers), cylinder seals, and early forms of cuneiform writing in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq).
Babylonian and Assyrian Art: Known for intricate relief sculptures and monumental architecture, with the Ishtar Gate being a famous example.
Ancient Egyptian Art:

Distinguished by its formalized style, hierarchical proportions, and use of symbolic imagery.
Sculptures and reliefs often depicted pharaohs, gods, and scenes from daily life, as well as the emphasis on the afterlife.
Minoan and Mycenaean Art:

Minoan civilization on Crete and Mycenaean civilization in mainland Greece produced frescoes, pottery, and architectural structures like palaces.
Ancient Greek Art:

Archaic Period: Characterized by the development of monumental stone sculptures (kouroi and korai), pottery, and the introduction of the kouros and kore statues.
Classical Period: Famous for the idealized human forms of sculptures like the Parthenon’s frieze and pediments, as well as red-figure pottery.
Hellenistic Period: Featured more emotional and dramatic sculptures, often depicting scenes of daily life and mythological subjects.
Etruscan Art:

Flourished in ancient Italy, known for its unique tomb architecture, bronze sculptures, and painted terracotta sarcophagi.
Roman Art:

Republican Period: Influenced by Etruscan and Greek styles, with public architecture like the Roman Forum and sculptural portraits.
Imperial Period: Marked by monumental architecture such as the Colosseum and Pantheon, as well as elaborate frescoes in villas.
Romanesque and Gothic Art:

Although mentioned in the previous response, these periods bridge the gap between Ancient and Medieval art, featuring distinctive architectural and artistic characteristics.
Ancient art reflects the cultural, religious, and societal values of these civilizations, offering insights into their beliefs, daily life, and artistic achievements. The legacy of these artistic traditions continues to influence and inspire artists and scholars to this day.