1. The 7 Characteristics of a Civilization

2. What is a Civilization?
A civilization is an advanced state of human society. There are 7 characteristics that define a civilization.
Stable food supply - Social structure
System of government - Religious system
Highly developed culture - Advances in technology
Written language
Be careful to not associate civilization with civilized and everyone else as barbarians or primitives.

3. Stable Food Supply
Civilizations need a stable supply of food. Societies can only thrive with plenty of food.
Domesticating of animals and agriculture allowed civilizations to create a stable food supply.
Why is this important?
Agriculture/Domestication v Hunter/Gatherer

4. Social Structure
Civilizations have a complex organization, or social structure. This controlled through different jobs and social levels (or status).
Social pyramids example
Ruler
Landowners/priests/government officials
Common class (merchants, craftspeople, etc)
Slaves
What is the social structure pyramid at Parker?

5. System of Government
Civilizations need a well organized system of government to help direct people’s behavior and keep life orderly.
The government is in charge of enforcing laws, construction, leading the army, and distribution of food.
Every civilization has their own style of ruler
-Kings -President -Pope Pharaoh -Senate -Oligarchy
How does the government help you?

6. Religious System
All civilizations need a religious system. This includes, set of beliefs, God(s), and place of worship.
As we progress through the year, we will see how religious views evolved over time.
What is religion’s role in society today?

7. Highly Developed Culture
All civilizations must have a highly developed culture including the arts, like painting, architecture, and music.
Culture is a way to show what a civilization values (important to them).
What is a piece of culture that is present in our lives?

8. Advances in Technology
All civilizations create new forms of technology (tools or inventions).
These advances prove that a civilization not only developed, but also provided contribution to surrounding area and future generations.
Remember Shutruk Nahunte
What is an advance in technology for the US?

9. Written Language
All civilizations must have a highly developed written language.
The beginning of history means the beginning of writing. The first known language was cuneiform, created by the Sumerians
An example of writing can also be pictographs
What would your life be like without any writing?

10. What is a Civilization?
Each of these steps is a valuable piece of a civilization.
Working in groups of 3, you will each have a poster for one of the key characters.
Must include:
Characteristic
Definition
Big Picture that describes the characteristic