Which ancient civilization is credited with the invention of the concept of zero?

The Babylonians are credited with the invention of the concept of zero, which is a significant development in mathematics and contributes to the understanding of numerical systems. While they did not have a symbol for zero as we know it today, they recognized the need for a placeholder in their base-60 numeral system, which helped in calculations and record-keeping. This innovative approach laid the groundwork for later mathematical advancements.

The Babylonians used a combination of symbols to represent numbers but employed a space to indicate the absence of a number in a particular place value, effectively allowing them to work with the concept of zero. This represented a critical shift in the understanding of numbers and their use in arithmetic, paving the way for the later formalization of zero as both a number and a concept in mathematics, particularly among Indian mathematicians who further developed this idea.

In contrast, the other ancient civilizations listed had different mathematical systems that did not incorporate the concept of zero in the same way, thus highlighting why the Babylonians are recognized for this groundbreaking invention.