Which civilization is credited with significantly influencing the development of modern societies?

The civilization credited with significantly influencing the development of modern societies is Rome. The Roman Empire was instrumental in shaping many aspects of contemporary governance, law, architecture, engineering, and culture. One of the most lasting impacts of Roman civilization is the development of legal systems; Roman law laid the foundation for many legal codes still in use today.

Additionally, Rome's innovations in engineering, such as the construction of roads, aqueducts, and monumental buildings, have had a profound influence on urban planning and infrastructure in modern cities. The spread of Latin, the language of the Romans, contributed to the development of the Romance languages and has influenced the vocabulary of many modern languages, especially in the fields of law and science.

Moreover, the political ideas of the Roman Republic, such as the concepts of citizenship and a representative government, continue to inform democratic systems around the world. The synthesis of Greek philosophical ideas with Roman practical governance created a powerful legacy that shaped Western civilization and continues to influence political and social structures globally.