ancient world—the region and civilizations (especially of the Greeks and Romans) known during ancient history:
- Cartagena was recognized as being one of the wealthiest cities of the ancient world.
old world—
1. (Old World, the) Europe, Asia and Africa:
- In all the apes of the Old World the same number and kinds of teeth are present as in man.
2. one’s previous setting of existence with its customs, traditions, etc.:
- Kylie found herself back in her old world of Melbourne to spend Christmas with her family.
Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase olde worlde—(UK attrib.) attractively old-fashioned (but not necessarily authentic):
- This olde worlde pub is on the narrow road down to the sea and coast guard station.