* Defining "learned" is subjective: What constitutes being "learned"? Is it knowledge in specific fields like science, philosophy, or literature? Is it practical skills like agriculture or engineering? Is it a focus on specific aspects of life like religious doctrine or social ethics?
* Measuring learning is difficult: We have different levels of evidence for different societies. Written records provide valuable insights, but even those are often biased or incomplete. Oral traditions and archaeological evidence also contribute, but offer less direct information.
* Historical context matters: The nature of "learning" varies greatly across cultures and time periods. What was considered valuable knowledge in Ancient Greece may be very different from what was valued in the Renaissance or the modern era.
However, we can look at some societies often recognized for their intellectual achievements:
Ancient Greece: Known for their contributions to philosophy, mathematics, science, literature, and democracy. The works of philosophers like Plato and Aristotle, mathematicians like Pythagoras and Euclid, and playwrights like Sophocles and Euripides continue to inspire and influence us today.
Ancient Egypt: Developed a complex system of hieroglyphic writing, advanced astronomy, medicine, and mathematics. Their monumental architecture and engineering skills are still awe-inspiring.
Ancient Rome: Famous for their engineering, law, and military prowess. They also adopted and spread Greek culture, contributing to the development of Western civilization.
Medieval Islamic World: A period of flourishing scholarship and scientific advancement, with scholars making significant contributions to mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and philosophy. They also preserved and translated many ancient Greek texts.
Renaissance Europe: A period of renewed interest in classical learning and arts, leading to advancements in science, art, literature, and philosophy. This era saw the emergence of figures like Leonardo da Vinci, Galileo Galilei, and William Shakespeare.
Modern China: The longest-lasting continuous civilization in the world, with a rich history of philosophy, literature, science, and technology. From gunpowder to papermaking, many innovations originated in China.
Ultimately, the "most learned" society is a matter of interpretation and perspective. Instead of focusing on a single society, it's more fruitful to appreciate the diverse and fascinating contributions of different cultures throughout history. Each society has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, and by understanding them, we can gain a more comprehensive understanding of human knowledge and progress.