Dragons, majestic creatures with a rich history, have been a part of human culture for millennia. These magnificent beasts have fascinated and terrified people from various ancient civilizations across the world. In this article, we will explore 13 ancient civilizations that spoke of dragons and delve into why these creatures held such a prominent place in their cultures. Join us for The Dragons Conference, Sign Up to watch live or tune in to the replay.

1. China: The Celestial Dragon
   • In Chinese mythology, dragons are revered as symbols of power, strength, and good fortune. The dragon is associated with the emperor and is believed to bring blessings and prosperity.
2. Mesopotamia: Tiamat, the Chaos Dragon
   • Mesopotamian mythology features Tiamat, a primordial dragon representing chaos. She was defeated by the god Marduk, signifying the triumph of order over chaos.
3. Greece: The Hydra and the Serpent
   • Greek mythology tells of the Hydra, a multi-headed serpent-like dragon. Hercules faced this creature as part of his Twelve Labors, symbolizing the hero’s triumph over adversity.
4. Norse Mythology: The Midgard Serpent
   • The Midgard Serpent, Jormungandr, is a central figure in Norse mythology. It encircles the world and will unleash chaos during Ragnarök, the end of the world.
5. Ancient Egypt: The Apep Serpent
   • Apep, a giant serpent, embodied chaos and destruction in ancient Egyptian beliefs. The sun god Ra battled Apep each night during his journey through the underworld.
6. India: Naga Serpents
   • In Hinduism, Nagas are serpent deities associated with water, fertility, and protection. They play significant roles in various myths and religious practices.
7. Mesoamerica: Quetzalcoatl and Feathered Serpents
   • Aztec and Maya civilizations revered feathered serpent deities like Quetzalcoatl. These beings represented knowledge, fertility, and creation.
8. Japan: Ryu and Tatsu
   • Japanese folklore includes Ryu and Tatsu, dragon-like beings with both benevolent and malevolent attributes. They symbolize transformation and strength.
9. Babylon: The Dragon Marduk
   • In Babylonian mythology, Marduk’s symbol was the dragon. This god played a pivotal role in the creation of the world and its order.
10. Korea: Imoogi
    • Korean mythology features the Imoogi, a benevolent dragon, often associated with transformation, prosperity, and protection.
11. Russia: Zmey Gorynych
    • Russian folklore tells of Zmey Gorynych, a three-headed dragon. These dragons embody chaos and are often defeated by heroic figures.
12. Native American Cultures: Horned Serpents
    • Various Native American tribes have myths about horned serpents, which symbolize transformation, power, and the balance between good and evil.
13. Celtic Cultures: Dragons in Myth and Art
    • Celtic folklore and art contain depictions of dragons as symbols of protection, guardianship, and wisdom.

Dragons have transcended time and culture, serving as captivating symbols and beings that continue to captivate our imaginations. Across these 13 ancient civilizations, dragons represented diverse concepts, from chaos and destruction to protection and transformation, reflecting the complexities and beliefs of each culture. Their enduring presence in mythology highlights the universal fascination with these mystical creatures and their enduring relevance in our collective human story. This is one of the reasons why we are facilitating an all day gathering in reverence to The Ancient Dragons.