1. What is a Civilization? A civilization is a complex culture with FIVE specific characteristics that work to make it function

2. The Five Characteristics of Civilization: 1. Advanced Cities 2. Specialized Workers 3. Complex Institutions 4. Record Keeping 5. Advanced Technology

3. Advanced Cities: City growth requires the need for specialized workers such as traders, gov’t officials and priests

4. Specialized Workers: Food surpluses allow for specialization, the development of skills in a specific kind of work Example: Artisans developed in cities; these are skilled workers or craftsman who made goods by hand

5. Complex Institutions: Institution is a long-lasting pattern of organization in a community Example: Government, religion, and economy

6. Record Keeping: Record keeping is needed for tax collection documents, passage of laws, storage of food Scribes, professional record keepers Developed, cuneiform- which means, “wedge shaped”

7. Advanced Technology: New tools and techniques are needed to solve problems that emerge Examples: harness the power of animals and nature and developed irrigation systems to expand planting