What were the earliest nations to assume some form of power.?

The earliest nations to assume some form of power were ancient civilizations such as Sumer in Mesopotamia, which emerged around 4500 BCE, and Egypt, known for its pharaonic rule starting around 3100 BCE. Other notable early nations include the Indus Valley civilization and the Hittites in Anatolia. These societies developed complex social structures, centralized governance, and early forms of writing, enabling them to exert control over their territories.