Features of

Rise of Civilization READ! DON’T WRITE! About 5,000 years ago, the first civilizations began to develop along river valleys. The rich, fertile farmlands of river valleys helped these civilizations to thrive.

1. Cities MORE FOOD=MORE PEOPLE Cities emerged as farmers produced surplus (extra) food. Agriculture (farming) increased population MORE FOOD=MORE PEOPLE

Irrigation Moving water from its source to farm

A city and the surrounding area City-state A city and the surrounding area

2. Central Government Gov’ts ensured the food supply and protection. A bureaucracy is a system of managing gov’t through departments run by officials

When a single authority rules many territories or nations Empire When a single authority rules many territories or nations

3. Public Works Rulers built things all people could use. Ex: roads, bridges, and defensive walls

4. Religion Ancient people were polytheistic, believing in many gods. Cities had temples and priests to gain the favor of gods through rituals to ensure plentiful crops.

5. Writing Systems Scribes (trained writers) kept needed records. Documents for tax collections, laws, and the storage of grain. Pictograms (picture writing) Cuneiform (wedge-shaped writing) was invented around 3000 B.C. by the Sumerians.

6. Job Specialization People specialized in certain jobs. No one person could master all skills. Artisan- skilled craftworker

7. Social Classes People became ranked in classes according to their job. Hierarchy- a system of ranks

8. Art and Architecture These were expressions of beliefs and values Buildings showed religion and strength in gov’t.