8 Features of Civilization Civilization: A n advanced and complex society with organized government, religion, customs, and social norms

Cities Built around farming centers Grow out of villages Examples: Tikal (Maya) Tenochtitlan (Aztec) Cuzco (Inca) Mesa Verde (Anasazi) Cahokia (Missippians)

Organized Government Managed surplus foods and supplies Oversaw business of cities Ran the military Examples: City-states (Maya) Empire- one ruler (Aztec) “Sapa Inca”- (Inca) Elite ruling class – (Mississippian)

Job Specialization Allowed for the development of further skills Possible because farms = extra time Stone cutters, potters, astronomers, etc.

Public Works Public works served the public good Might cost $ to maintain Examples: roads, waterways, city walls

Established Religion Connected to early government Often polytheism: many gods/goddesses Tied to seasons, harvests, sun & stars

Social Classes Different people occupy different social ranks Top: priests, rulers Middle: farmers, artisans, merchants Bottom: slaves Few at the top, many at the bottom

Art and Architecture Objects of beauty Effort in design to appease religious beliefs Luxuries for upper class (like jewelry)

System of Language and Writing Many early forms of writing in pictures Used to record: Laws Leaders’ and rulers’ family lines Events