> There were certainly interactions going on between cultures in Europe and the Middle East in ancient times
Sure.
> and Greek culture was certainly influenced by Egyptian, Mesopotamian Persian cultures (which are often not considered "Western")
No doubt about it. Especially ancient egyptian civilization. The ancient greeks themselves have said so.
> but for example China
There was some contact, but certainly not as much between mediterranean peoples. That's obvious.
> the Americas had no direct contact with Europe until much later and developed in isolation to each other.
Who cares?
What's your point? Your comment didn't address what I wrote. I said there is no such thing as western civilization. Just like there is no such thing as eastern civilization. Not sure what the point of your comment is.
The point is some cultures are clearly not part of Western culture, and some (such as the pre-Columbian American ones) had absolutely no contact direct or indirect with the West until the colonial period. So it does make sense to make a distinction even if the boundaries are blurry.
> The point is some cultures are clearly not part of Western culture
That's my point. No culture belongs to 'western culture' because there is no such thing as 'western culture' or western civilization.
> So it does make sense to make a distinction even if the boundaries are blurry.
Yes. It does make sense to distinguish between say Egyptian civilization and Hebrew civilization and Greek civilization and Chinese civilization and Indian civilization and Mayan civilization and so forth. But there is no distinguishing 'western civilization' from anything because it simply doesn't exist.
Not sure if you are being intentionally dense but my point was clear. Maybe you should go back and read my original comment that you replied to.
Tell me what western civilization is. Even if the boundaries are 'blurry' try giving us the broad strokes. What is the language or culture or ethnicity or religion or customs of western civilization. It doesn't exist. That's my point.
Sure.
> and Greek culture was certainly influenced by Egyptian, Mesopotamian Persian cultures (which are often not considered "Western")
No doubt about it. Especially ancient egyptian civilization. The ancient greeks themselves have said so.
> but for example China
There was some contact, but certainly not as much between mediterranean peoples. That's obvious.
> the Americas had no direct contact with Europe until much later and developed in isolation to each other.
Who cares?
What's your point? Your comment didn't address what I wrote. I said there is no such thing as western civilization. Just like there is no such thing as eastern civilization. Not sure what the point of your comment is.