Ancient units refer to measurement systems used by early civilizations to quantify length, weight, and volume. These units varied widely across cultures, with examples including the cubit in ancient Egypt, which was based on the length of a person's forearm, and the talent, a weight measurement used in various ancient societies. Different regions developed their own systems, often influenced by local needs and resources. For instance, the Roman system included units like the foot and mile, while the Greek system featured the stadion for distance. Understanding these ancient units helps us appreciate how early people interacted with their environment.