Homework First test on Unit #1 will be Monday. The format will be multiple choice questions, and short answer questions. If you complete the full review sheet by Monday, you will receive 2 points extra credit.

Aim #6: What are the key characteristics of a civilization? Do Now: What is a surplus of food, and how did human beings gain one during the Neolithic Revolution? How did this food surplus change human society?

I. Key Traits of “Civilization” Cities: Large communities of people, made possible by the surplus of food available . Catal Hϋyϋk (in present day Turkey). Existed sometime between 6500-5500 B.C.

I. Key Traits of “Civilization” 2. Government: Organized structure to provide rules and oversee the affairs of a people. What were some of things early governments did to achieve this?

I. Key Traits of “Civilization” Irrigation projects Slash and Burn Farming: Burning trees and grasses to clear fields, then using the ash as fertilizer. Recording laws / tax collections Establishing an army / building protective walls Storing grain Supervising religious rituals

I. Key Traits of “Civilization” 3. Economy: Using limited resources to meet people’s needs Early Civilizations had Barter Economies

I. Key Traits of “Civilization” 4. Religion Early Civilizations had Polytheistic religions:

I. Key Traits of “Civilization” 5. Social Classes: Organization of society into groups with varying degrees of wealth, power and influence. Ancient Egyptian Social pyramid:

I. Key Traits of “Civilization” 6. Writing System: In early civilizations, this was picture writing (example: cuneiform in Mesopotamia).

I. Key Traits of “Civilization” 7. Art and Architecture: Represents culture, reflects society, shows creative expression.

Critical Thinking Question Which of these characteristics do you believe is most important to the success of a civilization? Which of these characteristics do you believe is least important to the success of a civilization?