Characteristics of a Civilization What is a civilization? Where were the World’s first civilizations? Why did the first civilizations emerge where they did? What are the major characteristics of all civilizations (group / teacher)

What is a civilization? A human society that has highly developed material and spiritual resources and a complex cultural, political, and legal organization; an advanced state in social development

The First Civilizations Why did civilizations first emerge in the locations highlighted on this map?

What are the major characteristics of all civilizations Political / Government Structure Organized Religion Technology (science / writing etc.) Economic system (trade / monetary system) Social organization (class structure /divisions) Specialization in Occupations Favourable Geography

Which characteristics should we also examine? Arts Agricultural Intensification Law and Justice Systems Language and Literature Philosophy And????

Civilization Attribute Wheel 1.Work in your groups to brainstorm characteristics, attributes, and criteria that apply to “civilization” 2.Define each attribute. A) Describe the attribute (what would this look like in a “civilized” society?). B) Why is the attribute crucial to the development of a civilization?

Political / Government Structure A central body is formed that passes and regulates society Leadership is defined Connects to law and justice

Organized Religion Helps to keep order in a society Rulers are legitimised as they are often linked to gods Religious principals establish a moral base The Egyptian God “Thoth”

Technology Writing used in laws, religion, trade and education - allows for the enrichment of the society Irrigation projects and farming provide a surplus that free some from production allowing them to pursue other activities Invention and Writing

Economic System A currency is developed allowing for complex bartering and a diversity of goods Trade is developed over distances bringing in new materials and ideas Accumulation of wealth defines social order Sumerian “ring money”

Social Organization A class system develops as some gain wealth A specialization of occupations emerges (bakers, teachers, writers) Merchants emerge developing a “middle class”

Specialization in Occupations Use of surplus food and time to support those doing other jobs in a social grouping Artisans and craftspeople

Favorable Geography Importance of Rivers Agricultural success Climate supports development Closeness to other civilizations, cities, and cultures Interaction