Agriculture and Civilization Beginnings of Agriculture and Civilization

Bell Ringer What is nomad? What do you think began the start of civilizations (or cities)? What are the pros and cons of civilizations starting?

The Times They are a-Changin’ Neolithic revolution or agriculture revolution was the far-reaching changes in human life resulting from the beginnings of farming

Causes of Agricultural Revolution No exact reason known to scientists Most likely due to change in climate Populations rose

Agriculture Facts Many used the slash and burn farming technique Domestication of animals occurred Included horses, dogs, goats, and pigs The revolution had people settling down which led to the growth of villages

Villages Grow and prosper Farming developed in Africa, China, Mexico and Central America, and Peru.

Catal Huyuk Among first Neolithic villages In Turkey near a volcano Covered 32 acres Houses made of mud brick Surrounded by huge wall which suggest it had a government

Villages grow into Cities

CHANGES Irrigation systems Food surpluses ECONOMIC SOCIAL Irrigation systems Food surpluses Craftspeople created valuable new products like pottery, metal objects, and woven cloth Two major inventions: Wheel Sail Irrigation systems required labor Social classes of wealth and power spring up Religion also became more organized Centered around nature, animal spirits, and some idea of afterlife

How Civilization Develops Historian tend to believe first civilization was in Sumer Sumer was located in Mesopotamia (region of Iraq) Civilization is defined by 5 characteristics 1. advanced cities 2. specialized workers Specializations Artisans 3.complex institutions Institution 4. record keeping Scribes Cuneiform 5. Advanced technology Bronze Age

Advanced Cities City is a large group of people living together. City is the center of trade for a larger area Depend on trade, farmers, and merchants

Specialized Workers Specializations-development of skills in a specific kind of work Artisans, Farmers, Merchants, metal workers, etc

Complex Institutions Long lasting pattern of organization in a community such as governments, religions, and the economy Most cities had temples

Record Keeping Government, religion, and the economy became more complex, there was a need to keep record Developed system of writing and some had scribes who were professional recorders System of writing called cuneiform was invented that was wedge-shaped

Improved Technology New tools and techniques: plows, wheels, and irrigation Referred to as the Bronze Age because they also began to use bronze, rather than copper and stone

Consequences of the Neolithic Revolution Agriculture led to a inactive lifestyle Pastoralism led to a nomadic lifestyle Agriculturalists often used domesticated animals New social institutions emerged: Neolithic villages Pastoralist clan-tribes Agriculture led to enormous productivity increases Agriculture led to significant population increase and density Specialization of technology and skills developed

Dangers of the Neolithic Revolution The vulnerability of monoculture (single crop in one area) Soil destruction Disease The nomad-sedentary conflict Social disruption

Types of societies (Write down the ones you do not know) Theocracy: a government in which the ruler is viewed as divine figure Democracy: a government controlled by its citizens either directly or through representatives Oligarchy : a government in which power is in the hands of a few people Tyranny: one powerful individual who gains control of a city-state’s government by appealing to the poor for support Aristocracy: a government in which power is in the hands of a hereditary ruling class or nobility