Ancient Civilizations Crossword Puzzles: Free Printable and Online

Journey back in time to explore the mysteries and marvels of ancient civilizations, from pharaohs to philosophers. Uncover historical facts and legendary figures.

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Ancient Civilizations

Easy · 7×7 · 8 words
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Across

  1. 1. A person whose job was to write and keep records
  2. 5. A large stone tomb built for an Egyptian pharaoh
  3. 8. A dead body preserved by ancient burial customs

Down

  1. 2. Material used to make tablets for early writing
  2. 3. The empire that built the mountain city of Machu Picchu
  3. 4. Beings such as Zeus or Ra who were worshipped
  4. 6. The city that served as the heart of a vast empire
  5. 7. Ancient people of Central America known for their calendar

Ancient Civilizations

Easy · 7×7 · 7 words
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Across

  1. 2. The long river that supported life in ancient Egypt
  2. 6. The title given to the kings of ancient Egypt
  3. 7. Central American civilization known for its calendar and pyramids

Down

  1. 1. A building used for the worship of gods and goddesses
  2. 3. The empire that built the city of Machu Picchu
  3. 4. The Greek city known for its powerful army
  4. 5. The civilization that built the Great Wall

Ancient Civilizations

Easy · 11×11 · 13 words
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Across

  1. 1. A person whose job was to write down records and laws
  2. 5. A piece of metal used as money in ancient trade
  3. 6. A large unit of soldiers in the ancient Roman army
  4. 7. The civilization famous for its calendar and stepped pyramids in Central America
  5. 9. A bridge-like structure built to carry water over long distances
  6. 11. A massive stone tomb built for an Egyptian pharaoh
  7. 12. A preserved body wrapped in cloth bandages
  8. 13. A large open area used for public entertainment like gladiator fights

Down

  1. 2. A metal made by mixing copper and tin used for tools and weapons
  2. 3. A picture made from many small pieces of colored glass or stone
  3. 4. The empire located in the Andes mountains of South America
  4. 8. An early form of paper made from a river plant
  5. 10. A building dedicated to the worship of a god or gods

Ancient Civilizations

Easy · 7×7 · 7 words
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Printing for a class?

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Across

  1. 1. South American empire that built Machu Picchu
  2. 5. Dishes or containers made of baked clay
  3. 7. The city that served as the heart of a massive Italian empire

Down

  1. 2. People who built the city of Tenochtitlan in Mexico
  2. 3. A material like paper made from a water plant
  3. 4. A large group of states or countries under one ruler
  4. 6. A place where a dead person is buried

Ancient Civilizations

Easy · 7×7 · 7 words
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Across

  1. 1. Underground room or vault used for burying the dead
  2. 4. Title given to the powerful rulers of ancient Egypt
  3. 6. Large group of ancient territories controlled by a single ruler

Down

  1. 1. Ancient building designed for the worship of gods
  2. 2. Mesoamerican civilization famous for its complex calendar
  3. 3. Hard solid material used to construct ancient monuments
  4. 5. The destroyed or decayed remains of an ancient structure

Ancient Civilizations

Easy · 11×11 · 14 words
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Printing for a class?

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Across

  1. 1. The empire that built the mountain city of Machu Picchu
  2. 5. The civilization known for its advanced calendar and temples
  3. 8. A large open area used for gladiator fights
  4. 10. A picture or symbol used in ancient Egyptian writing
  5. 13. The famous circular stadium located in Rome
  6. 14. The ancient civilization known for the first Olympics

Down

  1. 2. A two wheeled vehicle pulled by horses in ancient battles
  2. 3. A piece of metal used as money in ancient trade
  3. 4. A person thought to be able to predict the future
  4. 6. A stone bridge built to carry water into cities
  5. 7. A statue with the body of a lion and a human head
  6. 9. A large group of states or countries under one ruler
  7. 11. A dead body preserved by ancient Egyptian methods
  8. 12. The city that was the center of a vast Italian empire

Ancient Civilizations

Easy · 11×11 · 15 words
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Across

  1. 1. Fertile spot in a desert
  2. 5. Ancient city known for its empire
  3. 6. Place where crops are grown
  4. 7. Decorative container often found in ancient ruins
  5. 9. A large group of states or countries under a single supreme authority
  6. 11. Ancient rolled document
  7. 13. Material used for pottery and tablets
  8. 14. Long river in Egypt

Down

  1. 2. Person who copied documents in ancient times
  2. 3. Birthplace of democracy
  3. 4. Short sword used by Roman soldiers
  4. 6. Public square in ancient Roman cities
  5. 8. Building for worship in ancient cultures
  6. 10. Preserved body from ancient Egypt
  7. 12. Piece of metal used as money

Ancient Civilizations

Hard · 11×11 · 12 words
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Printing for a class?

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Across

  1. 2. Public meeting place; 'our' F M, around.
  2. 5. River of life, found in 'lenin' without its starting 'N'.
  3. 8. Elaborate coffin; 'has a coup gr' broken up, S.
  4. 9. Water bridge, 'cute aqua' disturbed.
  5. 10. Senator's drape; 'got a' style altered.
  6. 11. Warrior city; 'trap' A S, in disarray.

Down

  1. 1. Small currency; 'noic' flipped.
  2. 2. Wall painting; 'score' F, in disorder.
  3. 3. My emperor's city, where 'moer' is turned over.
  4. 4. Greek state; 'has ten' changed around.
  5. 6. Stepped temple; 'a rug' G Z, oddly.
  6. 7. Mesopotamian capital; 'ban boy L' confused.

Ancient Civilizations

Medium · 11×11 · 13 words
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Printing for a class?

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Across

  1. 1. Sacred carving, Egyptian style.
  2. 4. European capital founded by brothers, perhaps.
  3. 6. Desert land where mummies rest.
  4. 8. Roman arena for spectacles.
  5. 10. Pantheon members.
  6. 13. Doric temple dedicated to Athena.

Down

  1. 2. Reed plant used for ancient writing material.
  2. 3. Legendary tale, often divine.
  3. 5. Monumental stone pillar, often Egyptian.
  4. 7. Ancient parchment, often rolled.
  5. 9. Formal handwritten text, old style.
  6. 11. River crucial to Egyptian life.
  7. 12. Stamped metal currency of old.

Ancient Civilizations

Medium · 11×11 · 12 words
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Printing for a class?

Print 2 or 4 versions of this puzzle with different grid layouts, so desk neighbors cannot copy answers. Same words and clues, and each version has its own answer key. Class sets are a Plus feature in the Grid Genius app.

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11

Across

  1. 1. Where Roman laws were debated and passed
  2. 4. Speeding platform for an ancient racer
  3. 7. It features an oculus open to the sky
  4. 9. They predicted eclipses with startling accuracy
  5. 10. Linen-wrapped traveler to the Field of Reeds
  6. 11. She asks a riddle at the gates of Thebes

Down

  1. 1. Royal vessel for the final journey
  2. 2. Founders of the great city on the lake
  3. 3. Sacred carving used as a writing system
  4. 5. Classic vessel for Mediterranean trade
  5. 6. Master stonemasons of the Andes
  6. 8. Folding book of the Mesoamerican priests

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Ancient Civilizations Crossword FAQ

Is this Ancient Civilizations crossword puzzle free?

Yes. Every Ancient Civilizations crossword on this page is free. You can print it, download it as a PDF, or play it online without paying anything or creating an account.

Can I print the Ancient Civilizations crossword?

Yes. Click Print on any puzzle for a print-ready page with the grid, the clues, and a name and date line, or use Download to save it as a PDF, PNG, or JPEG for photocopying. The PDF download includes a filled answer key on the last page for grading.

Can students play these crosswords online?

Yes. Every puzzle has a Play online link that opens in the browser on any device. No app install and no signup is needed to play, which makes it easy to share with a class.

Can I make my own Ancient Civilizations crossword?

Yes. The free Grid Genius crossword maker builds a puzzle from your own words and clues, with a printable grid and answer key. The Grid Genius app can also generate a complete crossword from any topic you type.