Foundations of Civilization

“Cradle of Civilization” Four regions: Nile River valley in Africa Valley of the Tigris and Euphrates in SW Asia Indus River valley in Southern Asia Huang (Yellow) River valley in East Asia

Civilization Civilization – complex culture that has at least three characteristics People are able to grow a surplus of food Establishment of large towns or cities with some form of government People perform different jobs instead of each person doing every job

Climate Rivers rise and flood during heavy rain Little rain throughout much of the year Hot, humid weather Led to innovations for farming year-round Irrigation – system of ditches and canals Improved farming techniques led to more and better food Increase in population => villages => cities

Cities Cooperation amongst the population Irrigation and flood-control Building of palaces, temples, and other public buildings

Government First governments made rules to guide behavior Rules helped plan, direct, and regulate work Leaders made and enforced the rules

Labor As farming improved, less people were needed in the fields Division of Labor – specialization of jobs Bartering (trade) became common practice Artisans – skilled workers Traders not only transported goods, but they also spread ideas Cultural Diffusion – spread of ideas and culture from one area to another

Other Characteristics Calendar Developed by farmers Needed to know when annual floods would start and stop Year was divided by phases of the moon 11-days short of solar-year

Other Characteristics Writing Need for written language emerged through foundations of cities Trading goods Development of rules Calendars Share ideas Began c. 3000 BC Records of cultures and societies (history!)