1. Civilization

2. What is a civilization?
“the stage of human social development and organization that is considered most advanced.”
As the population increased, villages became cities, and cities became civilizations

3. Features of Civilizations
There are 8 key features found in civilizations
Cities
Well-organized central government
Complex religions
Job specialization
Social classes
Arts and architecture
Public works
Writing

4. Cities River valleys Where did these early cities develop?
As farmers settled in one area, they began to produce a surplus of food
This surplus caused the population to increase, and villages turned into cities
As the population continued to grow, cities became larger
Where did these early cities develop?
River valleys

5. River Valley Cities
Yellow (Huang He)
Tigris & Euphrates
Indus
Nile
A river valley is an area of fertile land along the length of a river
Why were these areas so desirable for early people?
Fertile soil (from floods)
Constant supply of fresh water
Animals are attracted to the area for food and water
Trade and transportation

6. Organized government
Governments were responsible for maintaining food supplies and overseeing large projects (defense, public works, etc)
During the Paleolithic Age, tribe elders with the most experience were held as leaders
In the Neolithic Age, warrior kings fought to gain and maintain power

7. Complex religion
Most ancient religions were polytheistic- believed in many gods
Many gods were based around animals and nature (Animism)
To appease the gods and get favors (such as a good growing season), people built temples and made sacrifices
Priests were specially trained in rituals, knowledge and ceremonies to stay in favor with the gods

8. Job specialization Only possible because of food surplus
As society becomes more complex, individuals can no longer do everything themselves
People become interdependent
New skills are developed to maintain cities
Artisans- skilled craft workers- potter, tools, etc
Bricklayers- build city walls and buildings
Soldiers- defended cities
Farmers- worked the land
Only possible because of food surplus

9. Social classes People are ranked according to their jobs
Nobles- wealthy families with ties to the king
Priests and nobles
Wealthy merchants
People sold into slavery to pay debts, or taken as prisoners of war
Artisans
Peasant farmers
Slaves

10. Egyptian Social classes

11. Art and architecture
To show the power of the government, rulers would have grand temples and palaces constructed

12. Public works
Projects to benefit the city by protecting it from attack and ensuring a steady food supply
Defensive walls, roads, bridges, irrigation systems
Very expensive and at times costly in human lives

13. Writing Would scribes be low or high in the class structure? Why?
Early writing used pictograms- simple drawings that represent words
Only a select few could read/write- scribes
Would scribes be low or high in the class structure? Why?