1. The Birth of CIVILIZATION

2. LEARNING GOALS: define ‘civilization’
By the end of this lesson, students will
be able to:
define ‘civilization’
label where were the world’s first civilizations developed
explain the major characteristics of all civilizations

3. What is a Civilization? Definition:
- a society in which the population is large enough to have specialized labour, complex institutions, permanent settlements, and sometimes a written language

4. Transition from Hunter-gatherer to ‘civilized’ society

5. The First Civilizations
Have students use atlases to investigate the areas highlighted regarding the 1st civlizations in America, Africa / the middle east, Europe, and Asia. Break into 4 groups
Locate and label the following civilizations on your World Map
Consider this: what do they all have in common?

6. What are the major characteristics of all civilizations?
Political / Government Structure
Technology (science / writing etc.)
Economic system (trade / monetary system)
Social organization (class structure /divisions)
Specialization in Occupations
Break into groups, one for each characteristic of a civilization. Have each group explain why there factor is crucial to the development of a civilization. Have each group present this information to the class.

7. Group Work
Now, break into groups, one for each civilization attribute:
Using the chart paper provided, come up with a definition of your groups characteristic.
Explain why your characteristic should be considered crucial to the development of a civilization.

8. Political / Government Structure
a central body is formed that passes and regulates society
leaders are usually wealthy, property owners, elders . . .
The Acropolis,
Athens, Greece

9. Technology
writing used in laws, religion, trade and education - allows for the enrichment of the society
development of better tools makes life easier
A Cuneiform Tablet,
Mesopotamia

10. Economic System a currency allows for a standard of exchange
trade is developed over distances bringing in new materials and ideas
accumulation of wealth defines social order
Sumerian
“ring money”

11. typical Egyptian power
Social Organization
a class system develops as some gain wealth more wealth than others
the majority is ruled by the minority
typical Egyptian power
structure

12. Specialization in Occupations
known today as a ‘division of labour’
surplus time allows for new skills to develop
artisans and craftspeople . . .