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Features of Civilization

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Presentation on theme: "Features of Civilization"— Presentation transcript:

1 Features of Civilization
Cities Organized Central governments Priest-kings were followed by military leaders who were followed by hereditary monarchs Bureaucracy - government organized into departments Complex Religion Polytheistic – belief in many gods that control the forces of nature Most gods behave like humans

2 Features of Civilization Continued
Public Works Irrigation Systems Roads Bridges Defensive Walls Arts & Architecture Writing

3 Features of Civilization Continued
Job Specialization/Social Classes ~ Hierarchy Priests Nobles Wealthy Merchants Government Workers Artisans (skilled craft workers) Soldiers Peasant Farmers Slaves

4 Benefits of Rivers The earliest civilizations were located near rivers. Rivers provide drinking water, fish, game, and transportation for people, armies, and products. Flooding deposits a layer of silt – rich soil. To control floods and store water for the dry season – dikes, reservoirs, and irrigation canals were constructed.

5 Sumer 3500-2300BCE Tigris and Euphrates rivers – unpredictable floods
Fertile Crescent: Persian Gulf to Mediterranean Sea Mesopotamia (between the rivers) Modern-day Iraq City-States constantly fought

6 Sumer Cuneiform – 3200BCE First-Known Writing
Wedge-like shapes made on clay tablets

7 British Museum

8 Sumerian Religion Goal was to keep gods happy with sacrifices and ceremonies. Each city-state had a special god or goddess. Fear of natural disasters led to a pessimistic world view. At death, people went to a huge cave filled with dust and silence. Inanna and Dumuzi

9 Sumer’s Accomplishments
First Writing – Cuneiform First Wheeled Vehicles – carts and war chariots Basic Algebra & Geometry Number System based on 6 ~ 360-degree circle & 60-minute hour Accurate 12-month Calendar tracked seasons Ziggurats First to use arches, columns, ramps Complex Irrigation Systems

10 Ziggurat at Ur

11 Sumerian Art

12 Sumerian Art


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