Mrs. Johnson and Mrs. Agosta Features of

Rise of Civilization 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 A. Cities emerged as farmers produced surplus (extra) food. B. Agriculture (farming) increased population MORE FOOD=MORE PEOPLE

Irrigation Moving water from its source to farm

City-state A city and the surrounding area

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

Empire When a single authority rules many territories or nations

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

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

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

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

7. Social Classes A. People became ranked in classes according to their job. B. Hierarchy- a system of ranks Priests and Nobles Warriors and Merchants Farmers and Slaves

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