1. Homework
First test on Unit #1 will be Monday. The format will be multiple choice questions, and short answer questions. If you complete the full review sheet by Monday, you will receive 2 points extra credit.

2. Aim #6: What are the key characteristics of a civilization?
Do Now: What is a surplus of food, and how did human beings gain one during the Neolithic Revolution? How did this food surplus change human society?

3. I. Key Traits of “Civilization”
Cities: Large communities of people, made possible by the surplus of food available .
Catal Hϋyϋk (in present day Turkey). Existed sometime between B.C.

4. I. Key Traits of “Civilization”
2. Government: Organized structure to provide rules and oversee the affairs of a people.
What were some of things early governments did to achieve this?

5. I. Key Traits of “Civilization”
Irrigation projects
Slash and Burn Farming: Burning trees and grasses to clear fields, then using the ash as fertilizer.
Recording laws / tax collections
Establishing an army / building protective walls
Storing grain
Supervising religious rituals

6. I. Key Traits of “Civilization”
3. Economy: Using limited resources to meet people’s needs
Early Civilizations had
Barter Economies

7. I. Key Traits of “Civilization”
4. Religion
Early Civilizations had Polytheistic religions:

8. I. Key Traits of “Civilization”
5. Social Classes: Organization of society into groups with varying degrees of wealth, power and influence.
Ancient Egyptian Social pyramid:

9. I. Key Traits of “Civilization”
6. Writing System: In early civilizations, this was picture writing (example: cuneiform in Mesopotamia).

10. I. Key Traits of “Civilization”
7. Art and Architecture: Represents culture, reflects society, shows creative expression.

11. Critical Thinking Question
Which of these characteristics do you believe is most important to the success of a civilization? Which of these characteristics do you believe is least important to the success of a civilization?