So, What Is Civilization? Characteristics of Civilization Cities, Money and Institutions Technology, Food and Language Specialized Occupations and Government

Civilization Is Comprised of Many Characteristics Cities Money Institutions Technology Surplus Food Written Language Specialized Occupations Form of Government

The Birth Of Civilization Earliest civilization arose in the Middle East Located near abundant waterways and fertile fields Mesopotamia emerged 3500 B.C. as the first recorded civilization Civilization is a complex way of life

Cities Cities Were comprised of people who were no longer farmers but skilled workers Cities had a recognized form of government

Money Money/Economy Goods were traded with local and foreign markets Money was developed as a means of exchange Economies developed as cities trade their surplus goods or resources with others

Institutions Institutions Organizations created to pass on a people’s belief’s customs, ideas and arts Religion provided people with a belief system Education passed on a ideas and arts

Technology Technology Surplus Food Introduction of metal tools and weapons changed how people lived Surplus Food Large production of agriculture provided opportunity for people to specializes in a skill

Written Language Specialized Occupations Written Language Lead to the development of artisans, tradesmen, government officials and soldiers Written Language Emerged to record food inventories, soldier pay and communication with other kings

Why Do Civilizations Collapse? Dependence on foreign resources Overpopulation which strains a governments ability to maintain revenues, low surpluses and resources Internal strife caused by famines, epidemics, state breakdowns, decay of society and overpressiveness