Neolithic Revolution The major change in human life caused by the beginnings of farming – that is, by people’s shift from food gathering to food producing.

Theocracy government by divine authority.

Hieroglyphics “priest-carvings” or “sacred writings”; a complex system of writing that used both pictures and more abstract forms; used by the ancient Egyptians and Maya.

Ziggurat a massive stepped tower on which was built a temple dedicated to the chief god or goddess of a Sumerian city.

Polytheistic believing in many gods.

Civilization a complex culture in which large numbers of people share a number of common elements such as social structure, religion and art.

Monotheism believing in on God.

Monarchy Government by a single ruler such as a king or queen

Cuneiform “wedge-shaped”; a system of writing developed by the Sumerians using a reed stylus to create wedge-shaped impressions on a clay tablet.

Domesticated The taming of plants and animals for human use.

Dynasty a family of rulers whose right to rule is passed on within the family.

nomads member of a people having no permanent home

Culture The way of life – of a people in a certain time and place.

Archaeologist a person who studies human history and prehistory through the excavation of sites and the analysis of artifacts and other physical remains.

Infrastructure  physical and organizational structures and facilities (e.g., buildings, roads, and power supplies) needed for the operation of a society

Fossils the remains or impression of a prehistoric organism preserved in petrified form or as a mold or cast in rock.

Technology Branch of knowledge that deals with the creation and use o technical means and their interrelation with life, society and the environment; any object that makes life easier.

Surplus amount of something left over when requirements have been met;