The Neolithic Agricultural Revolution

Neolithic Revolution Some hunters & gatherers were advanced, but were never able to develop complex societies because they had to migrate to find food Early humans were nomadic hunters & gatherers & had to move around to find their food

Neolithic Revolution Farming changed the way humans lived: Around 8,000 B.C., the Neolithic Revolution occurred & early humans discovered how to farm & domesticate animals People no longer had to be nomads Food surpluses led to population increases Farming villages became established along river valleys for their good soil & irrigation

Neolithic Revolution: Spread of Agriculture

Neolithic Revolution Around 3,000 B.C., some farming villages became complex civilizations. Brainstorm: What characteristics are needed to makes people a “civilization”? ? Advanced cities

1.) Cities As farmers settled in fertile river valleys, they began to grow surplus or extra food. This extra food increased the population of the settlements. In time, the settlements grew into cities, such as Ur in Sumer or Babylon in Mesopotamia.

2.) Writing Records were needed to keep accounts on trade goods and food storage. Writing was needed because the information became too great to spread by word of mouth alone. In addition, one needed to express more complex ideas such as "belief" and "social order" where pictures and words simply would not suffice.

Ancient Mesopotamians used a writing system called cuneiform; it used a wedge shaped tool to make imprints in clay. Ancient Egyptians used hieroglyphics to communicate; as system that consisted of images standing in for words or sounds.

3.) Organized Central Government As cities developed and expanded, the food supply and irrigation systems needed to be maintained. Governments, such as councils or religious leaders, began to oversee the business and existence of the cities.

Hammurabi’s Code King Hammurabi of Babylon created a list of written laws for his civilization. This is the first historical example of written laws, and shows how early governments maintained order.

4.) Public Works The government would order these projects, although costly, to aid and benefit the community. Such things as a wall to protect from attack, or a canal to aid in irrigation, would help insure the survival of a people.

5.) Job Specialization As civilizations became more complex, artisans and craftsmen were needed to maintain specific items and tasks. No longer could individuals do all the work; people needed to choose specific skills to learn and focus on.. Now some concentrated on teaching, scribing , stonecutting, and so forth.

6.) Social Classes As jobs became specialized so did the status and needs of certain individuals. People who had more unique skills, such as writing or craft, gained more status than unskilled individuals. Herders were needed and respected for the food, while masons were needed for building. The slave was on the lowest rung of the social ladder; warriors, priests, and kings were on top.

Ancient Egyptian Social Stratification

7.) Complex Religions Most early civilizations were polytheistic (believed in multiple gods). *Gods and goddesses usually represented the natural or social elements that were important to the society (sun, river, death, etc.) Religious leaders would conduct elaborate ceremonies to appease the gods, and ensure a bountiful harvest. *Floods, droughts, and other misfortunes were blamed on the gods’ anger so priests conducted rituals in the temples to make sure that gods remained happy. *This responsibility led to the high status of priests and other religious leaders in early civilizations.

8.) Art & Architecture This expressed the beliefs and values of a civilization. Different styles were developed and copied by societies. Often the art was used to impress visitors and people about the beauty and power of a king or a community.

The 8 characteristics of civilization all contribute to a civilization’s culture; the beliefs, customs, arts, etc. of a particular group, place, or time.

As civilizations became larger they ended up having more and more interaction with each other through trade, travel, writing, and religion. These interactions led to societies exchanging goods, beliefs, and ideas; a process called cultural diffusion.

Closure Activity Now that we have defined “civilization”: Is the United States a civilization? Give evidence to support your answer. (Use the space at the end of your notes.)