1. Origins of Civilization (Prehistory-300 B.C.)
Lesson 3 Civilization Begins

2. Origins of Civilization (Prehistory-300 B.C.)
Lesson 3 Civilization Begins
Learning Objectives
Analyze the conditions under which the first cities and civilizations arose.
Outline the basic features that define civilization.
Understand the ways in which civilizations have changed over time.

3. Origins of Civilization (Prehistory-300 B.C.)
Lesson 3 Civilization Begins
Key Terms
civilization
steppes,
polytheistic,
artisans,
traditional economy
pictographs
scribes
cultural diffusion,
city-state,
empire

4. The First Cities and Civilizations
The Neolithic Revolution led to the rise of civilization. A civilization is an advanced stage of human society marked by a well-organized government and high levels of culture, science, and industry. At different times in different parts of the world, food surpluses allowed some Neolithic villages to grow into cities, the central feature of civilization.

5. The First Cities and Civilizations
River Valley Civilizations
Civilizations in the Americas
Life Away From Cities

6. The First Cities and Civilizations
Apply Concepts Why was farming so crucial to the development of river valley civilizations, including those that flourished in Egypt?

7. The First Cities and Civilizations
Analyze Maps How did river valleys help civilizations to prosper?

8. Features That Define Civilization
What did the early civilizations that rose in different parts of the world have in common? While cities are the central feature of civilization, historians distinguish seven other features found in most early civilizations: (1) well-organized governments, (2) complex religions, (3) job specialization, (4) social classes, (5) arts and architecture, (6) public works, and (7) writing.

9. Features That Define Civilization
Organized Governments
Complex Religions
Job Specialization
Social Classes
Arts and Architecture
Public Works
Writing
Nomads and City Dwellers

10. Features That Define Civilization
Religion was important to the people of the Indus civilization. This sculpture of a priest king is from Mohenjo-Daro.

11. Features That Define Civilization
Analyze Charts Which features do you think most affected the daily lives of average people?

12. Civilizations Change
All societies and civilizations change. In fact, history itself might be defined as the story of these changes. Ancient civilization changed in many ways over time. Among the chief causes of change were shifts in the physical environment and interactions among people.

13. Civilizations Change The Effect of the Environment Cultural Diffusion
Cities Become City-States
The First Empires

14. Civilizations Change
This store room in Pompeii shows various bowls and the remains of one person who was buried alive after a volcano rained hot ash down on the ancient city.

15. Quiz: The First Cities and Civilizations
Which statement best describes the main reason behind the establishment of governments in early river valley civilizations?
A. People formed governments as a way to spur trade and commerce.
B. People formed governments to wage war against neighboring villages.
C. People formed governments as a way to increase the amount of food grown by farmers.
D. People formed governments as a way to solve problems for the mutual benefit of a city or village.

16. Quiz: Features That Define Civilization
Which of the following best describes the emergence of social classes in early civilizations?
A. People were ranked based on their family size.
B. People were ranked according to their jobs and economic standing.
C. People were ranked based on their religious beliefs.
D. People were ranked based on their prowess in war.

17. Quiz: Civilizations Change
How did environmental changes affect peoples and civilizations?
A. Environmental changes forced people to migrate to other areas.
B. Environmental changes forced people to form armies to conquer other territories.
C. Environmental changes often aided in the establishment of new farms.
D. Environmental changes forced people to move into cities.